Which characteristic describes the European Commission?

The characteristic that best describes the European Commission is its power to propose legislation. The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union, responsible for initiating and drafting new laws and policies. It plays a crucial role in shaping legislation by putting forward proposals that can then be considered and debated by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. This legislative initiative is a central function of the Commission, underscoring its significant influence within the EU governance structure.

The other options, while related to aspects of the EU's functioning, do not accurately capture the primary role of the European Commission. The body is not directly elected; members are appointed by member states. While the Commission does have a role in foreign affairs, it is primarily the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy who leads those efforts. Finally, although the Commission is involved in budgetary matters, the management of the EU budget is largely the responsibility of the European Commission in conjunction with member states and is not its defining characteristic.