Czech MEPs Reject Teresa Ribera for EU Climate Commissioner

Czech Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have expressed strong opposition to Teresa Ribera, the Spanish candidate for the role of European commissioner responsible for climate policy. Their resistance stems from concerns regarding her stance on nuclear energy, which is a critical component of the Czech Republic's energy strategy. The national government supports nuclear energy, and Ribera's perceived adversarial position on this issue has raised alarms among Czech politicians. They fear that her alignment with current EU climate targets may not be beneficial for the economy or global climate goals. Czech MEP Ondřej Knotek from the ANO party has articulated skepticism about Ribera's suitability, emphasizing that her support for existing policies could hinder progress. Veronika Vrecionová, a member of the ruling ODS party, echoed these sentiments, labeling her opposition to nuclear energy as unacceptable. This reflects a broader skepticism among Czech politicians, who are wary of the implications of her potential nomination. Alexandr Vondra, another Czech MEP, anticipates challenging hearings if Ribera is nominated, indicating the contentious nature of her candidacy. Meanwhile, Markéta Gregorová, who represents a more environmentally progressive stance, acknowledges Ribera's experience but remains cautious due to her past actions in Spain, particularly regarding nuclear reactor closures. Luděk Niedermayer has opted to reserve judgment until the complete list of nominations is available, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in line with the broader vision for the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen.