In the context of bilateral trade negotiations between India and European Union, what is the difference between European commission and European Council? 1. European Commission represents the EU in trade negotiations whereas European Council participated in the legislation of matters pertaining to economic policies of the European Union 2. European Commission comprises the heads of State of govt. of member countries whereas the European Council comprises of the persons nominated by European Parliament Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is partly true in that the European Commission is the EU’s representative in trade negotiations, with the exclusive right to propose and conduct trade talks [1]. However, the European Council does not participate in legislating economic policy; it sets the EU’s overall political direction and priorities and does not adopt legislation [2]. Formal authorisation (a negotiating mandate) and the adoption of trade agreements are functions of the Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers) together with the European Parliament, while the Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU [3]. Statement 2 is wrong: the Commission is composed of appointed Commissioners (not heads of state), whereas the European Council is made up of heads of state or government [4].

Sources

1. [1] https://hub.unido.org/bilateral-development-partners/european-commission
2. [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/european-council-and-council-of-the-eu/
3. [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/trade-agreements/
4. [4] https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/how-does-european-union-work