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MEPs have criticized the Global Gateway in the past, expect changes from Síkela

by AI | 25.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

They were particularly bothered by insufficient communication or instances when projects funded by Global Gateway money were awarded to contractors that were Chinese companies.

Building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Photo EP/ Marc Dossmann

Brussels – Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Development (DEVE) have in the past heavily criticized the Global Gateway strategy, which is to be overseen by future Czech Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, according to ČTK findings. They were particularly bothered by insufficient communication or cases where Global Gateway money funded projects won by Chinese companies as contractors.

These questions related to this initiative and its better functioning are expected during the so-called grilling, where MEPs scrutinize the suitability of individual candidates for commissioner positions. According to ČTK sources, members are also expecting Síkela to show his readiness to handle the portfolio related to development policy, although he has so far had experience in other areas, notably banking, trade, and industry.

The Global Gateway strategy aims to enable the EU to compete with the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. The EU plans to secure investments of up to 300 billion euros over the coming years in infrastructure in developing countries, especially in Africa, India, Latin America, and the Pacific.

According to ČTK, DEVE committee chairman Barry Andrews is very critical of the Global Gateway and has repeatedly questioned whether the current approach to this strategy and EU development aid truly targets the future needs of developing countries. MEP Hildegard Benteleová, from the Christian Democrats, in the previous parliamentary term remarked on insufficient communication, also mentioning that nobody understands the strategy, neither the companies nor the MEPs. Luxembourgish MEP Charles Goerens (Renew Europe) told ČTK that he hopes Síkela will, among other improvements, enhance the European Union’s relationships with African countries. Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl praised the Czech Commissioner candidate: “I think that due to his personal experience, political maturity, and commitment, Mr. Síkela is an excellent candidate and will be a commissioner who brings positive change in the area of international partnerships,” said Mandl. (October 25)