What is the difference between the European Union and the European Commission?

Kainantu

The EUROPEAN UNION - previously known as the European Community - is an institutional framework for the construction of a united Europe. It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically so another war among them would be unthinkable. Fifteen countries are members of the European Union, and some 370 million people share the common institutions and policies that have brought an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity to Western Europe. http://www.eurunion.org/profile/brief.htm (lots more information here) Here is a map of the member countries of the European Union: http://www.eurunion.org/legislat/agd2000/agd2000.htm The EUROPEAN COMMISSION ( a body attached to the European Union )proposes policies and legislation, is responsible for administration, and ensures that the provisions of the Treaties and the decisions of the institutions are properly implemented. The current Commission (2000-2005) consists of 20 Commissioners, including the President (Romano Prodi), who are appointed by common agreement among the European Union member states (and approved as a body by the European Parliament. Commissioners hold portfolios of responsibility and act in the interest of the Union, independently of national governments. It has a council.The Council that enacts legislation binding throughout EU territory and directs intergovernmental cooperation. The Presidency of the Council rotates among the member states every six months. Each Presidency concludes with a European Council which brings together the Heads of State or Government of the 15 member states. The European Commission has these bodies: The European Parliament (EP) is composed of 626 members, directly elected to five-year terms. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) form political rather than national groups. Nov 03 02, 7:35 AM