The Secretariat general of the European Commission under the mandate of Jean-Claude Juncker: an instrument for the presidentialisation of the institution?
Type de matériel :
3
This paper focuses on the role of the Secretariat-General (SG), one of the Directorate-Generals of the European Commission, as a presidential service under the mandate of former Commission’s President Jean-Claude Juncker (between 1 November 2014 and 30 November 2019). After presenting the SG’s historical evolutions, notably under the different styles of presidency and major institutional developments, we will look more closely to the specificities of the Juncker period. This was marked by new prerogatives attributed to the Commission President by the Treaties and by a strong political commitment. Consequently, the SG has been transformed into an organized, expert and loyal service to the President. More importantly, we will see that it has played a key interface role under the new decision making process of this “political Commission”, beyond its traditional missions. Therefore, the Secretariat General has made possible, throughout the mandate, to maintain the political priorities defined by the President. Taking stock of the nature of the SG under Jean-Claude Juncker allows us to reflect on a Presidency marked by different phases, which build up a unique model of Commission. Its legacy remains visible under the President von der Leyen Commission.
Réseaux sociaux