The government confirmed the nomination of Industry Minister Síkela as the Czech European Commissioner

Prague – According to ČTK, the government confirmed the nomination of the Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela (STAN) as the Czech European Commissioner at today’s meeting. The proposal was discussed this morning by the House Committee for European Affairs, which was a condition for the re-approval of the nomination by the cabinet.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) will now formally present the proposal to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. At the end of July, the governments of the Union countries were asked to submit the names of two candidates, a woman and a man, for the European Commissioner by August 30. However, the government had already decided to propose only one. The ruling STAN movement was pushing for the nomination of two candidates and proposed MEP Danuše Nerudová to the cabinet, in addition to Síkela.

According to Fiala, Síkela has all the prerequisites to succeed in the approval processes and for the Czech Republic to obtain a portfolio that it considers important. However, the Prime Minister also noted today that all EU countries are interested in the economic portfolio. The result of his efforts should be visible by mid-September. According to Fiala, the Minister has both executive and business experience, which he considers an advantage.

At the House Committee, Síkela outlined his vision for future activities in the European Commission (EC). In addition to supporting businesses and developing cheap low-emission energy sources, he also discussed energy security, modernizing energy infrastructure, better interconnection of member states for the use of available electricity across Europe, and the development of research and production of strategic technologies. (August 21)