Europeum

Politico Pro | The Emperor’s New Portfolio

August 12, 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 the 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.

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.

ČT24 | The Czech candidate for European Commissioner is Jozef Síkela

July 24, 2024

Jozef Síkela has been nominated by the Czech government for the position of European Commissioner. What was crucial for the decision? And why was Danuše Nerudová not nominated, even though Ursula von der Leyen requires both a female and male candidate? What is the timeline now? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, answers these and other questions for ČT24.

CNN Prima News | Who will be the next Czech EU Commissioner?

July 24, 2024

Is Jozef Síkela still the favorite for the post of the Czech EU Commissioner? Which portfolio would be most desirable for the Czech Republic? How likely is it that a defense commissioner position will be created? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for CNN Prima News.

ČTK | Commission President is assembling her team of commissioners, but so far has few candidates

July 19, 2024

After being approved by the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is starting to assemble her team of commissioners. Some countries have already submitted their candidates, but many are still pending, including the Czech Republic. In Czechia, discussions about potential candidates are ongoing, with additional names being proposed alongside those suggested by the STAN political party. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on the situation for Czech News Agency.

Seznam Zprávy | Thursday's vote will decide the future of the European Commission and Meloni's political position

July 17, 2024

Thursday's vote will determine whether the current head will continue to lead the European Commission. However, it will also be pivotal for Italian Prime Minister Meloni. She must either join the majority or risk ending up on the sidelines. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, provided a comment on her goals for Seznam Zprávy.

Český rozhlas | Who will be the next Czech commissioner?

June 18, 2024

The Mayor's party, who have the right to nominate a European Commissioner under the Czech coalition agreement, have announced that they will nominate both Danuše Nerudová and Jozef Sikela for the position of the next Czech European Commissioner. The government is due to decide on a candidate by the end of August. Can the Czech Republic get a highly sought-after economic portfolio? What are the advantages for the country if it gets it? And how difficult is the process of questioning candidates in the European Parliament, the so-called grilling? Klára Votavová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, answered these and other questions in an interview for Czech Radio.