Austrian Minister Calls for Smaller EU Commission

Austrian European Minister Claudia Bauer suggests reducing the number of EU Commissioners, citing the current count of 27 as inflationary.

Austrian European Minister Claudia Bauer (ÖVP) called for a reduction in the size of the European Commission during an interview with Welt am Sonntag. Bauer described the current 27-member body as inflationary and admitted she does not know all Commissioners by name. While EU Commissioners are legally bound to represent common European interests rather than their home governments, Bauer is advocating for a debate on downsizing. Article 17 of the EU Treaty stipulates that the Commission should consist of a number of members corresponding to two-thirds of the member states, which would currently result in 18 Commissioners. However, EU heads of state and government unanimously implemented an exception in 2013 to ensure each member state retains one Commissioner. This structure has evolved significantly since 1957, when the European construction began with six member states and nine Commission members.