Czech industry minister vies to become EU’s next energy chief

Czech Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela, who played a key role in coordinating Europe’s response to soaring energy prices after Russia invaded Ukraine, now wants to snag the EU's top energy job, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The signal is likely to set off jockeying within Europe over who will steer the increasingly important portfolio after the EU election in June.

Síkela, a centrist to center-right figure, could theoretically meet the tricky criteria for the EU's next energy commissioner, who will have to sell a rapid renewables acceleration while also assuaging rising anxiety tied to energy security and the bloc’s green policies.

"I am sure that it is something [Síkela] would be interested in," said the person familiar with the matter, who like others for this story was granted anonymity to speak candidly, while adding that the "position of commissioner is definitely not his priority right now" as Síkela focuses on his domestic role.

Asked directly, Síkela was more cautious. "My attention is nowadays fully focused on my work as ... minister," he said, but added, "It is an honor to be mentioned in connection with such an important position."

Síkela's interest comes as politicians from across the bloc — including European Council President Charles Michel — have begun to eye their next roles in Brussels with less than five months to go until June's election.

The EU's top jobs are usually carved up based on which political parties prevail on the European Parliament ballot. Countries then get to nominate one commissioner to send to Brussels, where they take on a policy portfolio.

Historically, the energy role was not among the most sought-after in Brussels. But it has gained new prominence as the bloc ushered in its landmark 2019 plan to become climate-neutral by mid-century, the European Green Deal, which demands increased ambition on renewables and energy efficiency.

The job was also thrust into the spotlight as energy prices soared to record levels when the bloc cut ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago.

Former Estonian Economy Minister Kadri Simson is the EU's current energy commissioner but is unlikely to retain her role, as her Centre party is no longer in the country's governing coalition — usually a requirement given the government picks whom it sends to Brussels.

Síkela's political affiliation is more complicated. He serves in the coalition government of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, whose party is part of the conservative European Conservatives and Reformists group. But Síkela's party, STAN, hasn’t yet decided whether to join the center-right European People’s Party or the liberal Renew after the EU election.

Síkela has a recent history with energy policy in Brussels.

He previously chaired meetings of the bloc's energy ministers as gas and power prices spiked in the winter of 2022 during the Czech Republic's six-month EU presidency stint. He convened several emergency meetings and helped clinch a deal on the bloc's controversial gas price cap, a performance that earned him a good reputation among Brussels' diplomats.

"He’s very energetic, has very good leadership skills, good on substance and knows Brussels quite well," said a diplomat from one EU country, adding Síkela would make "a very good commissioner."

A second diplomat added, "He proved his leadership during the energy crisis" and "has a lot of valuable contacts."

Still, Síkela's nomination is far from confirmed, as he must first win the approval of the five parties including his own that currently govern in Prague, said Ladislav Mrklas, a political scientist at Charles University.

"He certainly has a chance, but it is not certain that the coalition will agree on him," Mrklas added. Síkela must also face off against candidates for the role from other EU countries, even if no one has yet made their interest in the post public.