In this interview, António Vitorino, Member of the European Commission with special responsibility for justice and home affairs from 1999 to 2004, explains the organisation and operation of the Commission on the basis of the principle of collective responsibility.

In this interview, António Vitorino, Member of the European Commission with special responsibility for justice and home affairs from 1999 to 2004, outlines the fundamental role of the Commission as the driving force behind European integration and the defender of the general interest above and beyond the interests and judicial systems of the individual Member States.