Meaning: The quote by Mario Monti addresses the issue of the European Commission's accountability and legitimacy. The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union (EU), responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties, and managing the day-to-day business of the EU. The quote emphasizes the process through which the members of the European Commission are appointed and scrutinized, shedding light on the complex nature of their roles within the EU governance structure.

In the quote, Monti mentions the appointment of the members of the European Commission by the governments of the 15 member states. This process involves a collective decision-making mechanism among the national governments of the EU member states. The appointment of the Commission members is a crucial step in determining the composition of the executive body, as it reflects the interests and priorities of the member states in the EU decision-making process.

Furthermore, Monti highlights the individual scrutiny and vote of confidence from the European Parliament that each member of the European Commission undergoes. This underscores the role of the European Parliament in holding the Commission members accountable and ensuring their suitability for their respective positions. The European Parliament, as the directly elected legislative body of the EU, plays a significant role in overseeing the actions and decisions of the Commission, thus contributing to the democratic legitimacy of the EU institutions.

The concept of elected versus non-elected officials in the context of the European Commission raises important questions about democratic representation and accountability. While the members of the European Commission are not directly elected by the citizens of the EU, the appointment process involves the indirect influence of national governments and the scrutiny of the European Parliament, which aims to uphold democratic principles and ensure the accountability of the Commission members to the EU population.

The appointment of the European Commission members by the governments of the member states reflects the intergovernmental nature of the EU, where national interests and consensus-building among member states are significant factors in the decision-making process. At the same time, the scrutiny and vote of confidence from the European Parliament contribute to the supranational dimension of the EU governance, where the directly elected representatives of EU citizens play a crucial role in overseeing and influencing the composition and functioning of the European Commission.

It is important to note that the dynamics of the European Commission's appointment process and accountability mechanisms have evolved over time, particularly with the enlargement of the EU to include more member states. As the EU continues to develop and adapt to changing political, social, and economic realities, the question of the democratic legitimacy and accountability of its institutions remains a subject of ongoing debate and reform efforts.

In conclusion, Mario Monti's quote sheds light on the complex process of appointing and scrutinizing the members of the European Commission, highlighting the interplay between national governments, the European Parliament, and the broader dynamics of EU governance. The quote underscores the multi-faceted nature of the EU's institutional framework and the ongoing efforts to balance intergovernmental cooperation with supranational democratic accountability.