The European Commission is one of the main EU institutions. In addition to representing and protecting the interests of the EU as a whole, the Commission prepares the draft European legislation and ensures the implementation of policies and EU funds.
 
The 27 Commissioners, one from each EU country are responsible for the political leadership of the European Union during his term of five years. The President of the Commission assigns to each Commissioner responsibility for specific policy areas.
 
Barroso is the current President of the European Commission and commenced his second term in February 2010. The President is appointed by the European Council. This, according to the President appointed, also appoints the other Commissioners. The appointment of all commissioners, including the President, subject to the approval of Parliament.
 
The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the European Union High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy. Currently, Ashton is who chairs the Foreign Affairs Council and directs foreign policy and security policy, ensuring consistency and coordination with the EU's external action.