"The European Commission is at the very heart of the European integration process. Little happens in the European Union without the Commission playing a major role and exercising a significant influence. It is as much concerned with major issues such as Economic and Monetary Union and enlargement to Eastern Europe as it is with routine issues such as competition policy decisions and allocations to funding programmes." "In recent years the Commission has had a higher profile than at any time in its history. This has been partly because of continuing increases in its activity, but partly too because of the enforced resignation of the College of Commissioners in 1999 and the reform programe which has since been under way to make the Commission a more efficient and effective institution." "Who are the Commissioners and the Commission staff? How is the Commission organised? What are the implications of the Commission's hybrid character as a political and administrative body? How great is the Commission's influence and how does this vary according to issues and circumstances? And what are the Commission's prospects given the many challenges it faces? Based on extensive original research, this major new book provides systematic coverage of the nature and functioning of the Commission. Comprehensive, up to date and authoritative, it will be essential reading for students of European integration, policy practitioners, and anyone with a serious interest in the European Union, its current character and future prospects."--Jacket.