Czech Government Nominates Jozef Sikela for European Commission Role

The Czech government has nominated Jozef Sikela, who played a key role in the EU's energy crisis response following Russia's attack on Ukraine, for a position in the new European Commission. Sikela has been the industry and trade minister since 2021. The country is seeking an energy or economic portfolio for him.

The Czech government has nominated Jozef Sikela, the current industry and trade minister, as its member of the upcoming European Commission. Sikela was instrumental in the EU's response to the energy crisis prompted by Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022.

Since 2021, Sikela has overseen the industry and trade portfolio, which includes energy, in the centre-right Czech government. During the Czech EU presidency in late 2022, he was heavily involved in EU crisis planning.

The Czech Republic is eyeing an energy or economic portfolio for Sikela within the Commission, yet no specific preference has been formally announced. The new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, will be proposed in the coming weeks and will face parliamentary hearings before a final vote.

(With inputs from agencies.)