The European Commission is divided into departments that develop policies for specific areas. Each department is headed by Commissioners. Overall, the Commission works under the leadership of a President.
The Commission is steered by a group of 28 Commissioners, known as ‘the college’. Together they take decisions on the Commission’s political and strategic direction.
The Commission is organised into policy departments, known as Directorates-General (DGs), which are responsible for different policy areas. DGs develop, implement and manage EU policy, law, and funding programmes. In addition, service departments deal with particular administrative issues. Executive agencies manage programmes set up by the Commission.