Petr Fiala emphasizes the need for EU Commission to boost competitiveness
- The European Parliament approved the new European Commission with 370 votes in favor.
- Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the importance of competitiveness, prosperity, and security in the new Commission's agenda.
- Fiala is optimistic about the proposals aimed at re-evaluating parts of the Green Deal and addressing illegal migration.
In Prague, the European Commission has received approval from the European Parliament, with 370 votes in favor, 282 against, and 36 abstentions. This new commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is set to commence its duties from December 1, 2024. Prime Minister Petr Fiala acknowledged the importance of focusing on prosperity, enhancing the competitiveness of businesses lagging behind other regions, and ensuring the security of citizens. He expressed satisfaction with the strong international partnerships portfolio supervised by Jozef Síkela, the former Minister of Industry and Trade, believing that it is crucial amid today's geopolitical challenges. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also praised the pivotal role Síkela will play as the EU faces international competition for support of its policies. Fiala's comments reflect a broader concern regarding the EU's competitive standing in a rapidly changing global landscape, making it imperative for the new Commission to recalibrate its strategies regarding the Green Deal and migration issues to align with contemporary needs. The Prime Minister remains optimistic that their proposals will reshape parts of the EU's approach towards economic and geopolitical resilience, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that reinforces the EU's presence on the world stage.