BRUSSELS - A key question for Member of the European Parliament Ondřej Kolář was how Jozef Síkela, the candidate for European Commissioner, would ensure that European funds intended for development do not end up in the wrong hands. He asked the potential future commissioner this question during a traditional "grilling" session before the Committee on Development.

"Strengthening the security of the European Union is the most important task of the new Commission. This is not only about strengthening our defense, but also about economic and energy security, and addressing migration. Jozef Síkela's portfolio covers all of these areas, it involves a large budget, and I therefore consider it to be very important," said Member of the European Parliament Ondřej Kolář.

"I wanted to hear from Mr. Síkela how he would ensure that European funds, which will be allocated from his portfolio for development aid, do not end up in the hands of corrupt regimes or even terrorists, who might, for example, mount rockets on water pipes and fire them at our allies. We cannot repeat mistakes from other regions," said Kolář.

Today, Jozef Síkela answered questions from selected Members of the European Parliament at the Committee on Development. The traditional "grilling" of candidates for European Commissioner precedes their approval by the European Parliament.

"The DEVE Committee deals with development aid. One of Mr. Síkela's key tasks will be to strengthen the role of the European Union in regions where Russia and China have gained enormous influence over the past decade. He will have to try to negotiate cooperation in areas where Putin has already established a foothold. This is a task that requires political acumen and negotiation skills. It will not be easy," believes Kolář.

Síkela's task should be to establish cooperation with countries that can contribute to strengthening European energy and economic security, but which themselves often face their own security challenges.

"In many countries with which we now want to cooperate, Europe has lost influence, often due to its colonial past. The fact that a Czech person will be responsible for development in these regions can be very helpful, because he does not carry those colonial prejudices with him. Instead, he will have the opportunity to explain that European colonialism is a thing of the past, while the modern form of colonialism practiced by Russia and China in many parts of the world is plundering countries, corrupting governments, or even replacing them with regimes that serve their interests. This is a huge, but achievable task for Jozef Síkela," said Kolář.

"Today has only reinforced my belief that the Czech Republic can have an influential and strong European Commissioner. Not only because of the portfolio, but also because of Jozef Síkela himself. He made a very good impression on me, his answers were clear, and his vision of what he wants to achieve was also clear. I wish Mr. Síkela and the entire new Commission success. They have a lot of work ahead of them," concluded Kolář.

Today, Jozef Síkela answered questions from Members of the European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE). Ondřej Kolář therefore had the opportunity to directly ask the candidate for European Commissioner a question, while most other Czech Members of the European Parliament did not have this opportunity. The hearings of other candidates are continuing. Formally, the Members of the European Parliament will confirm the new European Commissioners at a plenary session, probably at the end of November.

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