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The Czech commissioner candidate emphasizes cooperation and the need to fight against smugglers

by AI | 23.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

According to him, cooperation with partners focused on increasing their capacity for border management is essential, but at the same time it is necessary to dismantle smuggling networks and human trafficking networks.

Migrants arrive at the port of La Restinga on the island of Tenerife.

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Brussels – An effective solution to the root causes of illegal migration requires a comprehensive approach, wrote the Czech nominee for European Commissioner Jozef Síkela to MEPs. According to him, cooperation with partners aimed at increasing their capacity for border management is essential, but at the same time it is necessary to break up smuggling networks and human trafficking rings. The European Parliament published the written answers of all candidates to MEPs’ questions overnight. Candidates now face public hearings before individual EP committees, which will take place from November 4th. Síkela will appear before MEPs on Wednesday, November 6th at 2:30 p.m.

According to the Czech candidate, migration is influenced by a number of factors such as unemployment, conflicts, and insecurity, but also climate change and environmental challenges. “An effective solution to the root causes of illegal migration therefore requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account various factors,” said the former Czech Minister of Industry and Trade. “We must use all the tools we have at our disposal, starting with diplomacy, visa policy, and trade and investment incentives,” he added, stating that the root causes of migration also need to be addressed by creating job opportunities for young people. “This will enable them to contribute to the prosperity of their home country, rather than risking their lives on dangerous journeys,” added Síkela.

The EU must act “decisively and pragmatically”, according to Síkela, to limit “illegal departures and crossings” in cooperation with key countries of origin and transit of migrants. In this context, the future Czech European Commissioner wants to work closely with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, who is to be the Austrian Magnus Brunner, the Executive Vice President of the EC Henna Maria Virkkunen from Finland, who is to be responsible for the portfolio of technological sovereignty, security, and democracy, and also with the future European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica from Croatia.

“Throughout my professional life, my priority has been to achieve results. And I know first-hand that inclusive and sustainable economic growth is the main driver of sustainable development,” wrote Síkela. Regarding development aid, it has become evident in recent decades that the “traditional donor-recipient model has its limitations”. “Countries that have successfully reduced poverty are those that invested in infrastructure development, domestic production, and education, thereby integrating their economies into global trade and investment circles. In the 21st century, countries seek partnerships, not dependencies. They want to strengthen their resilience to external shocks, just like us. They need to create jobs for their growing population. Where the EU does not respond to this demand, others will. Will we leave it to them? That is the political choice we face,” added the Czech nominee for European Commissioner. (23rd October)

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