European Union
The visionary leaders inspired the creation of the European Union we live in today. Without their energy and motivation, we would not be living in the sphere of peace and stability that we take for granted.
From resistance fighters to lawyers and parliamentarians, the EU pioneers were a diverse group of people who held the same ideals: a peaceful, united and prosperous Europe.
Beyond the pioneers described below, many others have worked tirelessly towards and inspired the European project. This section on the EU’s pioneers is therefore a work in progress.
The European Commission's political leadership
European Commission
At their first formal meeting under the presidency of Ursula von der Leyen, the College of Commissioners adopted its working methods on the way the political leadership is organised. The working methods are based on the principles of collegiality, transparency and efficiency and are the basis for the Commission’s work for 2019 – 2024.
The package of decisions includes:
- The responsibilities of and services supporting each Commissioner and the way they work, including in six Commissioners’ groups
- Rules on the composition of the Commissioners’ private offices and the Spokespersons’ Service
- The creation of I.D.E.A., the Commission’s in-house think tank
European Parliament
The European Parliament is an important forum for political debate and decision-making at the EU level. The Members of the European Parliament are directly elected by voters in all Member States to represent people’s interests with regard to EU law-making and to make sure other EU institutions are working democratically.
Powers and procedures
The Parliament acts as a co-legislator, sharing with the Council the power to adopt and amend legislative proposals and to decide on the EU budget. It also supervises the work of the Commission and other EU bodies and cooperates with national parliaments of EU countries to get their input. See how it all works here.
