Jozef Síkela’s Vision as European Commissioner for International Partnerships
Jozef Síkela spoke to the European Parliament on Wednesday to defend his designation as European Commissioner for International Partnerships. Síkela was questioned by members of the Development Committee, outlining a vision for the EU's Global Gateway strategy that balances economic interests with core European values.
In his opening speech to the European Parliament, Jozef Síkela stressed that his approach to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy would strive to find a balance between profit and principle. He noted that the EU should leverage public-private partnerships, minimize investment risks, and attract private capital to bridge the gap in funding for development.
“Honorable members of the European Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, dear all. I am honored to appear before you today as Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships. I believe strongly in parliamentary democracy and, if confirmed, hope to build a close working relationship with you.
“The European Union is a remarkable project. It has brought lasting peace to our countries devastated by conflicts. It has fostered sustainable prosperity for hundreds of millions and has always served as an inspiration for those who long for freedom and development.”
Mr. Síkela spoke to the European Parliament on Wednesday to defend his designation as Commissioner for International Partnerships. In it, he stressed that his approach to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy would strive to find a balance between profit and principle. He noted that the EU should leverage public-private partnerships, minimize investment risks, and attract private capital to bridge the gap in funding for development.
Mr. Síkela highlighted that EU development policy should prioritize tackling the root causes of irregular migration, fostering conflict prevention and good governance, supporting the less well developed countries, and strengthening ties with Africa—all while aligning with the European Green Deal goals. He also stressed that, given the presence of more assertive competitors in regions like Africa, the EU needs to present a stronger partnership offer to these countries.
He said that we need to show our partners that “Europe’s offer is unique,” avoiding “assertive actors” who lack democratic values and regard for human rights. He stressed that he believes that the European offer to the world is the best because it combines economic objectives with “human dignity, equality, and sustainability.”
When it came to the questioning by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Mr. Síkela also turned out to be very well-prepared. Deputy Director at EUROPEUM Institute for Foreign Policy Viktor Daněk spoke to Czech Radio about Mr. Síkela’s performance:
“We could see from him that he did not underestimate preparation. He said exactly the things that MEPs want. At the same time, he didn’t tie himself to too many promises, which can happen to new people in these positions when they have to persuade MEPs. So, he avoided this.
“It was also clear that he was highly knowledgeable about the issues when the questioning began. The MEPs asked him specifically how he wants to set up the Global Gateway in a way that guarantees its proper functioning. He also assured them of his prior ambition of this plan, which is to be a competitor to China, and other big players, in regions like Africa, Asia, and Central America. In this sense, I think that the Czech politician Jozef Síkela showed himself to quickly be able to transition into a truly European politician.”
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Mr. Síkela reportedly successfully passed the hearing in the European Parliament, with the Development Committee endorsing his candidacy.
Based on the Chair of the Development Committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents—composed of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the political group leaders—will make an official final evaluation of all Commissioner-designates on 21 November, formally concluding the hearings. Afterward, evaluation letters for each candidate will be published.
The vote on the entire College of Commissioners, requiring a majority roll-call vote by MEPs, is currently set for the plenary session in Strasbourg from 25 to 28 November.
