Europeum

ČT24 | The government confirmed the nomination of Jozef Síkela to the European Commission

August 21, 2024

Czech government has confirmed the nomination of Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela for the position of Czech EU Commissioner at its meeting. How will the appointment process continue? And what are Síkela's chances of securing a significant portfolio in the European Commission? Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, answers on ČT24 broadcast.

Seznam Zprávy | Jozef Síkela is set for the European Commission, aiming for a strong economic portfolio

August 21, 2024

It has now been confirmed by the government that minister Jozef Síkela is headed to the European Commission as the Czech candidate. Although President Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to nominate a pair of candidates, both men and women, the Czech Republic did not comply with this request. The outcome is expected to be decided in September when the portfolios for all new EU commissioners will be announced. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

TV Nova | Final stage of EU Commissioners iselection. Fiala meets with von der Leyen in Brussels

August 20, 2024

Petr Fiala met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. This is just two days before the Czech government is due to definitively confirm the nomination of minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Sikela for the post of European Commissioner. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for the main evening broadcast on TV Nova about what they could discuss at the closed-door meeting and how strong the position of the future Czech Commissioner is in Europe.

RevivEU | Where do we go from here after the European Parliament elections?

June 27, 2024

We invite you to participate in an online webinar! Europe and the Czech Republic know the results of the European Parliament elections. The vote, which was accompanied by high turnout in most countries, brought many surprises and in some places even other political change. Who will be the next Czech Commissioner? How did the campaign for the European elections go in the Czech Republic? And what do the results in the Czech Republic mean for future Czech influence in the EU?

Politico Pro | The Emperor’s New Portfolio

August 02, 2024

If the French get their way, Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton is in line for a far-reaching economic portfolio in the next European Commission mandate. That could be a “competitiveness” remit that stands alongside a competition policy portfolio. For Politico Pro comments Filip Křenek, analyst at EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.

ČT24 | Most countries have presented their candidates for European Commissioner, none have put forward two names

August 02, 2024

Most EU member states have already presented their candidates for the position of European Commissioner, but none have complied with the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to propose two names. Ten countries have yet to nominate anyone, while the Czech Republic announced the nomination of Jozef Síkela last week. Which nominations are worth paying attention to? Is it mandatory for states to propose two candidates? On what basis does von der Leyen decide the composition of the Commission? And what are the chances that the Czech Republic will secure an economic portfolio? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.

Deník N | Czech Republic wants an influential post for Síkela. What are his chances?

July 30, 2024

The government of Petr Fiala is sending Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela to the race for an influential portfolio with the aim of filling one of the eco-oriented agendas. These are traditionally filled by representatives of large European countries, but even so, Síkela may not be without a chance. His professional background and the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU will play in his favour. The Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, Viktor Daněk, reflected for Deník N on whether it would not be more important to focus on an agenda where interesting legislative activity can be expected in the coming years.

Czech Radio | Government agrees on Síkela as new Czech EU Commissioner

July 25, 2024

The Czech government has nominated its current Minister of Industry and Trade, Jozef Síkela, for the role of European Commissioner, aiming to secure an economic portfolio. In doing so, they are bypassing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's request to put forward both a male and a female candidate. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, discussed the decision and its implications on Czech Radio.

Český rozhlas | Vláda rozhodla o jmenování Síkely novým českým eurokomisařem

July 25, 2024

Česká vláda nominuje na post eurokomisaře současného ministra průmyslu a obchodu Jozefa Síkelu, čímž usiluje o získání ekonomického portfolia. Obejdou tak požadavek předsedkyně Evropské komise Ursuly von der Leyen, aby navrhla kandidáty dva. O těchto rozhodnutích a jejich důsledcích v rozhovoru pro Český rozhlas mluvil Viktor Daněk, zástupce ředitele Institutu EUROPEUM.

ČRo Plus | Czech Republic will send only one candidate to the European Commission

July 25, 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked Member States to submit two names instead of one in their nominations for European Commissioners. Her aim is to have a balanced proportion of men and women in the new Commission. But as the request for two candidates is not supported by the treaties, if the Czech Republic offers only Jozef Sikel, there will be no direct consequences, though it may affect the distribution of the portfolios that lays in von der Leyen's hands. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.