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Brussels – The Czech nominee for European Commissioner Jozef Síkela wants to strengthen partnerships with Africa as well as with Latin America and intends to address the driving forces of illegal migration. Síkela said this today during a hearing before MEPs from the Committee on Development (DEVE), the so-called grilling, which every nominated member of the EU executive must undergo. EP members asked the Czech candidate especially how he wants to improve development cooperation and ensure that all funds are allocated efficiently and do not end up in the wrong hands. Several questions also concerned how his portfolio will affect the area of migration and how cooperation with third countries could prevent the illegal influx of migrants.
“In today’s polarized world, we need partners. I am convinced that the European offer to the world is the best because it combines economic goals with human dignity and sustainability,” said Síkela. “We have a big job ahead of us, we must devise a strategy that will strengthen both partners and us,” he added, noting that “challenges have always motivated him to achieve better results.” Síkela is to be responsible for overseeing European international cooperation and development policy, supporting coordination between the European Union and its member states in the field of development cooperation, as well as cooperation with partners in promoting EU values, including democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
In his opening speech, Síkela also emphasized the need for all projects carried out within the portfolio to respect human rights and also promote equal rights for women. According to him, investments should help with the development of the most needy countries. In his role, he wants to use his extensive experience from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the banking sector.
Síkela said that his first steps will be directed to countries with the biggest problems. According to him, it is necessary to identify where it is realistic to achieve change and where not. For example, in Africa he said several successful projects have been implemented but criticized the fact that the aid has so far been less visible compared to China or Russia. A number of MEPs also asked about the connection between the international partnership portfolio and the topic of migration. “We must ensure that our strategy addresses the key causes of illegal migration,” said Síkela. It is important, according to him, to ensure sustainable economic development in partner countries, participate in the development of healthcare, job creation, education development, and transportation infrastructure. (November 6)