The methods of the Von der Leyen Commission: greener and digital
The working methods of the von der Leyen Commission are focused on achieving more results in Europe and in the world, betting on a greener and digitalized commission.
The von der Leyen Commission has presented its working methods, which will serve as a basis for the commitment of the new college of commissioners to meet the President’s Agenda for Europe for the next five years. These methods give priority to the collegial nature of decision making, its transparency and its effectiveness.
These working methods introduce a series of developments in the way the Commission works, especially as regards the role of the executive vice presidents, the high representative / vice president, and the vice presidents and groups of commissioners. A new body is also created to coordinate external relations, the External Coordination Group (EXCO), and defines how the Commission will monitor its commitment to act in relation to European Parliament resolutions based on Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Finally, the working method also paves the way for the digital transformation of the Commission, which will make it possible for meetings to be held without paper.
The most important principles when working together
The European Commission takes decisions collectively. All members of the Commission are equal in making decisions and equally responsible for these decisions. Once decisions are made, all members of the Commission must assume their responsibility, promote and defend them. Three executive vice presidents have a dual function, acting at the same time as vice presidents and managing a political area. The executive vice-presidents, the high representative / vice-president and the vice-presidents are responsible for the political direction and coordination of the work in their areas of responsibility, in particular the so-called “groups of commissioners”. President von der Leyen has created six groups of commissioners covering the six defined political priorities: European Green Pact, a Europe adapted to the digital era, an economy that works for all, promotion of our European way of life, a stronger Europe in the world and a new impulse to democracy.
Transparency should characterize the work of all members of the Commission and their cabinets. All members of the Commission will make public all meetings and contacts regarding EU policies and decision making.
A geopolitical commission
For the first time, a specific group will be responsible for coordinating all aspects that have to do with external relations in the work of the Commission. In preparing the meetings of the College, the new Foreign Coordination Group (EXCO) will weekly discuss current international issues and coordinate, among other things, the positions to be taken in international forums or at summits. This Group will play a central role in harmonizing the internal and external dimensions of the work of the Commission.
Committed to a Democratic Union
To demonstrate the importance that the European Commission attaches to what citizens and their representatives directly elected in the European Parliament say, the college of commissioners will examine in their meetings the decisions to register or not the proposals for European citizen initiatives. It will also discuss and adopt decisions regarding the resolutions of the European Parliament and the Council’s requests on legislative initiatives under Articles 225 and 241 TFEU, in full respect of the principles of proportionality, subsidiarity and improvement of legislation. The Vice President of Interinstitutional and Prospective Relations, Maros Sefcovic, will inform the European Parliament about the proposed follow-up within three months of the adoption of the relevant resolution.
In accordance with their mandate letters, the members of the College will visit each Member State in the first half, at most, of the mandate of the Commission. In addition, they will meet periodically with national Parliaments and participate in dialogues with citizens throughout the Union, in particular within the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Reduce bureaucracy
The school will apply the principle of “one more, one less”, according to which each legislative proposal that creates new charges will exempt people and businesses from equivalent charges already existing at EU level in the same political sphere. The Vice President of Interinstitutional and Prospective Relations will supervise the application of this principle and ensure that it is applied consistently in all Commission services.
A digital commission such
The European Commission strives to become an Administration based on digital technology, user-centric and data driven. The college of commissioners will set an example by holding paperless meetings thanks to a specific electronic application. The objective is to gradually introduce these paperless meetings at all levels of the institution. This progressive digitization will be done in full compliance with the requirements regarding data protection and security.
A greener commission
The Commission will intensify its efforts to improve the environmental impact of its activities with regard to energy, water and paper consumption, waste management and CO2 emissions. All this through new initiatives within the framework of its environmental management system, a better application of the principles of the circular economy in green public procurement and the strengthening of the capacity of staff to adopt greener behaviors.
Background
Decision on the groups of commissioners
