Czech Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela admitted he is interested in taking on the position of European Commissioner after next year’s European Parliament elections.
Síkela chaired several Energy Councils in the second half of 2022 during the Czech Council of the EU presidency and has contributed significantly to achieving EU responses to high energy prices.
“I perceive that thanks to the very successful EU presidency, especially in the field of energy, internal market and foreign trade, I have built up quite a lot of prestige and authority among the other member states,” Síkela said in an interview for Czech daily Právo.
“This could help me acquire an interesting economic or energy portfolio. So I am certainly not hiding my interest in that position,” Síkela admitted.
Síkela was appointed as a minister for the Mayors and Independents movement (STAN, not affiliated to any European political family), but he is not a party member.
According to an agreement concluded between the five parties of the Czech governing coalition, STAN or Pirate Party (Greens/EFA) should have the right to nominate candidates for the European Commission, meaning Síkela has a good chance of being nominated.
Síkela became famous in December for saying that the Czech presidency will convene as many EU energy councils as necessary to find solutions to skyrocketing energy prices.
In the end, Síkela succeeded, and member states finally agreed on various compromises on energy, such as joint gas purchases, market correction mechanisms and mandatory gas savings.
The finishing touch was when Síkela presented his fellow ministers and European Commissioner Kadri Simson with socks bearing the logo of the Czech presidency and hoodies with a quote, “We will convene as many Energy Councils as necessary”.
(Aneta Zachová | EURACTIV.cz)
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