NEW EUROPEAN COMMISSION CABINET COMPOSITION: A KEY INSIGHT INTO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EXECUTIVE BODY

On March 5, the European Commission published the detailed composition of the cabinets of its commissioners, unveiling for each member of the College the name of their chief of cabinet, deputy chief of cabinet, and expert advisors, as well as the precise scope of their responsibilities. This highly significant institutional move provides a clearer understanding of the internal balances and hierarchical structure through which each commissioner operates. From the president of the Commission to specialized commissioners, these teams play a key role in shaping the Union’s policies, working closely with the relevant directorates-general and services.

GENERAL COMPOSITION RULES

The President of the Commission is responsible for the internal organization of the institution, ensuring that collegiality and efficiency drive the College’s work. According to the framework published, cabinet members—whether seconded officials or temporary agents—must reflect the diversity of the European Union, while ensuring gender balance and geographical representation. Their role is to assist the commissioner daily on assigned dossiers, as well as to represent the institution in dealings with stakeholders.

ETHICAL AND TRANSPARENCY PRINCIPLES

To safeguard the integrity of the Commission and its policies, an ethical framework defines the obligations of each cabinet member. They are required to uphold confidentiality regarding all information received in the course of their duties, even after leaving office. Additionally, they must declare any conflict of interest or participation in outside professional activities that could affect their impartiality. This independence principle is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that EU decisions serve the general interest of the Union.

CABINET SIZE AND STRUCTURE

The rules specify the maximum number of AD (administrator) and AST (assistant) grade staff within each cabinet, depending on whether they are part of the president’s team, an executive vice president, the high representative, or a standard commissioner’s office.

• The President’s cabinet can have up to twelve AD members, alongside multiple experts, an administrative service, and a secretariat that may include a coordination director.
• Other commissioners have smaller structures, including a chief of cabinet (director-level), a deputy chief of cabinet, several thematic experts, and personal assistants.

A strict balance must be maintained, limiting, for example, the proportion of staff of the same nationality as the commissioner. Gender parity is also a central objective.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cabinet members contribute to policy development and manage portfolio allocation as directed by the Commission’s president.

• Chiefs of cabinet act as the commissioner’s primary strategic advisors, overseeing the entire team.
• Experts—sometimes recruited externally—bring in-depth knowledge of specific domains, strengthening the technical legitimacy of decisions.
• Assistants provide essential logistical and organizational support.
• Communication advisors ensure consistency in public messaging.

Each cabinet also has access to a temporary secretarial pool, which can replace absent staff when needed.

ROLE DISTRIBUTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

The document emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the administrative status of each cabinet member, whether as a seconded official, temporary agent, or contractual employee.

• AD or AST grade levels determine the scope of responsibilities, pay scale, and promotion rights.
• Security clearance is required for key positions due to the sensitive nature of the dossiers handled.
• Cabinet members must comply with transparency regulations (contacts with interest representatives, transparency register) and adhere to EU document access rules.

A COMMISSION BASED ON COLLEGIALITY

These principles reflect the Commission’s commitment to embodying the Union’s diversity while upholding collegiality in decision-making. Cabinets serve as a permanent bridge between directorates-general, Member States, and civil society, ensuring informed, coherent, and well-coordinated policymaking. Each commissioner—whether responsible for competition, environment, health, or the internal market—operates within a common framework, ensuring institutional stability and responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

The publication of cabinet compositions is much more than just a list of names. It reveals the inner workings of the Commission, its political and administrative balance, and the complexity of policymaking at the European level. By emphasizing diversity, ethics, and transparency, this list reaffirms the EU executive’s commitment to serving the common interest of 500 million citizens. The president’s policy guidelines, outlined in her mission letters, find a direct extension in the staff, profiles, and organization of these cabinets—cornerstones of collegial collaboration at the highest level of the European Union.

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