Delegation of powers

Delegation of powers in the European Union Law

Concept of Delegation of powers provided by the “Glossary of terms used in EU competition policy” (Antitrust and control of concentrations, published in 2002): The Commission, as a collegiate body, delegates certain decision-making powers to its individual commissioners (empowerment procedure) or to directors-general (delegation procedure). A delega-tion of powers allows management, administrative, procedural and routine matters to be decided by the individual commissioner or director-general concerned. This mechanism ensures that Commission meetings are not overloaded and the decision-making process is not paralysed.

(See: Articles 13 and 14 of the rules of procedure of the Commission of 29 November 2000 (OJ L 308, 8.12.2000, p. 26).)