Jozef Síkela

Q1 Photo Dump. From Hanoi to Dakar, Larnaca, Rabat, Davos, Berlin, Pilsen, Copenhagen and Munich. One clear focus: strong strategic partnerships. Investments in transport, energy and skills. Opportunities for European companies. Jobs and growth for our partners. This is what Global Gateway is about.

Eurokomisař řidičem tramvaje. I na to došlo během mé dnešní cesty do Plzně. Především jsem se zaměřil na to, jak se české firmy mohou lépe prosadit na zahraničních trzích. Kde se jim nabízí největší příležitosti a co pro ně můžeme v rámci Global Gateway konkrétně udělat. České firmy mají technologie, zkušenosti i odbornost, které jim umožňují obstát v globální konkurenci. My jejich nabídku doplňujeme o silnější financování i investice do vzdělávání či tréninku. S vedením společnosti @skoda.group jsme probrali, jak naše nástroje co nejefektivněji uplatnit při podpoře jejích aktivit v zahraničí. Se Škoda JS jsme řešili budoucnost energetiky. Firma se podílí na vývoji malých a středních modulárních reaktorů spolu s Rolls-Royce. Tato technologie může zásadně posílit energetickou bezpečnost jak v Evropě, tak u našich partnerů. Spolehlivá a dostupná energie je základ ekonomického rozvoje. A právě v této oblasti mohou české firmy nabídnout řešení, která jsou konkurenceschopná. Se studenty mezinárodních vztahů na Západočeské univerzitě jsme mluvili o tom, jak se Evropa může prosadit ve světě, kde tvrdá geopolitika stále častěji nahrazuje spolupráci. Ocenil jsem diskuzi zaměřenou na konkrétní otázky, jak může být Evropa být silná doma, ale zároveň aktivní navenek.

This week in Hanoi, we opened new opportunities for European companies and turned our upgraded partnership into real projects.

With Global Gateway, we are helping European railway companies win projects in Vietnam, as they are ready to deliver. During my mission, I was accompanied by a group of leading European railway companies, ready to bring their technology and experience to one of the fastest-growing transport markets. Vietnam is planning a major expansion of its railway network, including high-speed connections and modern urban mobility systems. This creates real opportunities and strong global competition. That is why we act early. In Hanoi, we announced a €40 million EU–Vietnam Transport Facility. It helps prepare large-scale railway and urban mobility projects and connects them with European expertise and financing. This allows our companies to position themselves from the start. We combine this with business diplomacy on the ground and financial tools that de-risk projects and strengthen our offer. This is how we support European companies abroad while helping Vietnam build modern transport infrastructure.

I got a strong signal from the European Parliament today: Firm support for Global Gateway and a clear call to scale it up. Thanks to co-rapporteurs Chloé Ridel and Hildegard Bentele for a report that sets concrete priorities on how to strengthen Europe’s partnerships and deliver more results on the ground. I take these recommendations forward and will work with all those who support long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen our competitiveness, resilience and security.

Our upgraded EU–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is already delivering concrete results for European companies. A strong example is the $1.7 billion development of the Lien Chieu container port in Da Nang, where APM Terminals, part of Maersk, has been selected as a partner. In Hanoi, I discussed the project in detail with Maersk’s regional representatives. This is a strategic investment that will strengthen Vietnam’s role as a regional trade hub and improve connectivity across the region.

560 is just a number. Until you know what it means. 💚 For example, let's take €560 million, for Vietnam it means: 🔸 A modern train that improves your commute. 🔸 Reliable electricity, that doesn't cut out. 🔸 Cleaner air and less pollution 🔸 More jobs in new industries. 🔸 And economic growth. And for Europe, it means: 🔹 Stronger partnerships. 🔹 New markets 🔹 And more resilient supply chains. This is what happens when investment reaches who needs it. And the EU and Vietnam just made it official. Swipe to see the full breakdown. 👉 #GlobalGateway

Done after an intensive day in Hanoi. Let me tell you what it was about. Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. We recently upgraded our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Today, was about turning it into real projects and investments. First, I met with Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc. We focused on turning our upgraded partnership into concrete investments, especially in energy and transport. Together, we opened the EU–Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum. Around 1,000 participants joined the Forum to connect companies with governments and development finance and move projects forward. The focus was on clean energy and sustainable transport, key for Vietnam’s growth and a major opportunity for European companies. European companies are ready to deliver. I am leading a business mission of railway companies that are showcasing their experience, standards and capacity to deliver at scale. At the Forum, we announced new investments to move these projects forward. At the Ministry of Construction, we discussed major transport projects together with European companies. From high-speed rail to modern infrastructure, Europe can support Vietnam’s ambitions with proven solutions and long-term investment. At the Ministry of Agriculture, we signed an agreement to strengthen sustainable forestry and build more resilient value chains. I closed the day with Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung. In a more tense global environment, reliable partners matter more than ever. We focused on turning our partnership into concrete investments in the development of Vietnam and in new opportunities for European companies.

Today we are taking our partnership with Vietnam further by turning it into concrete investments and economic opportunities. I opened the EU–Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum, where we are bringing together European and Vietnamese companies, investors and governments. We are connecting projects with financing and partners, especially in clean energy and sustainable transport. Reliable energy powers households and industry. Modern transport connects people and markets. For Vietnam, this means a new boost for sustainable development, higher economic standards and new jobs. For Europe, it means new opportunities in a fast-growing market. This is what Global Gateway delivers. Investments that create value on both sides.

The goal in Vietnam is clear: support new investments in Vietnam’s sustainable development and create opportunities for European companies. I am leading a mission of European companies ready to invest here. I will also open the EU–Vietnam Business Forum, where we connect the private sector with concrete projects and move investments forward. Our focus is on clean energy and sustainable transport, the engine of growth. Reliable energy powers industry and homes, modern transport connects people and markets, while Vietnam’s investments plans mean real opportunities for European companies.

Good morning to Europe! We are a bit wrinkled after the night flight, but we’ve arrived in Hanoi and are ready for the first meetings tonight.

Taking off to Hanoi tonight 🛫 To strengthen our partnership with Vietnam, deliver on key projects and open new economic opportunities in infrastructure, energy and transport. I will open the EU–Vietnam Business Forum to connect European companies with concrete projects, and in meetings with Vietnamese leaders we will move our investments forward.

Africa’s first hydrogen-powered iron plant in Namibia. The world’s tallest dam doubling clean electricity production in Tajikistan. An electric train project transforming daily transport for people in Costa Rica.  These are just a few projects that we deliver with Global Gateway. Now you can discover the projects shaping our strategic partnerships in our new brochure.

Digital transformation is a race for talent, and no one should be left behind in building the digital world of tomorrow. Today, we launched a Team Europe initiative to invest in the next generation of women leaders in the ICT sector. We will work with current leaders to remove barriers that keep girls and young women out of the digital economy. Partners that want sovereign and secure digital systems need the full talent pool to build them. This is how we help make that happen.

I welcome the strong support from Members of the DEVE Committee to back our international partnerships with the resources needed to deliver. Today’s debate in the European Parliament confirmed that investing in stability in fragile countries or global health is important for Europe’s own security. In a more transactional world, strategic partnerships are how Europe delivers on its priorities by creating concrete benefits for both our partners and Europe.

Dnes jsem se přesvědčil o tom, že na College of Europe v Bruggách roste silná generace budoucích českých a slovenských diplomatů. Probrali jsme, co v praxi obnáší budování silné pozice Evropy v dnešním světě, jakou roli v tom hraje Evropská komise, co pro to dělám já a jak se do tohoto úsilí mohou zapojit právě oni.

Today, I met with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo. We discussed the EU’s support to the country after the recent devastating floods, as well as our Global Gateway investments in clean energy and digital connectivity. I also emphasized that attracting more European investment requires a good business environment, political stability and continued reforms. This is how we can create new jobs and economic opportunities for people in Mozambique.

Our partners want to build local industries and keep real value at home. This week in Paraguay, we proved that Global Gateway delivers exactly that, with two new projects that strengthen the country’s energy security and open new opportunities for Europe. First, we are investing in Project Villeta, a facility that will produce 262,460 tons of green fertilizer annually using entirely renewable hydropower. This creates skilled jobs, anchors a new sustainable value chain right where the resources are, and diversifies Paraguay’s economy. Second, we are mobilizing European and international finance to modernize the national electricity grid. This expansion of the high voltage network will secure reliable clean energy supplies for 1.8 million customers. This is what Global Gateway is about: co-creating progress with our partners while building shared economic resilience.

🚙 At the Škoda Auto Museum this week, I saw a copy of my very first car! In 1985, just after turning 18, I got a blue Škoda 1000 MB just like this one from my father. What was your first car?

Automobilový průmysl je jedním z hlavních motorů evropské ekonomiky a já jsem hrdý, že Škoda Auto je třetí nejprodávanější značkou v Evropě. Dnes jsem se svým týmem navštívil továrnu Škodovky v Mladé Boleslavi. S vedením jsme diskutovali o tom, jak posílit evropské automobilky vůči globální konkurenci, včetně zajištění spolehlivých dodávek nerostných surovin.

Today, I thanked EU ambassadors for representing Europe around the world as they operate in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. The global order is changing fast. Conflicts are deepening, supply chains are being weaponised, and rules are increasingly replaced by power. In this context, one thing is clear: our foreign policy must make Europe stronger, safer and more competitive. With strong partnerships and strategic investments under Global Gateway, we can achieve that. In my meetings around the world, I hear the same message again and again. Many countries do not want a world defined only by pressure and transactions. They want predictable partners who respect sovereignty and create value together. This is a great opportunity for Europe and one we must seize together.

Lors de la visite du Commissaire européen aux Partenariats internationaux au Sénégal 🇪🇺, j’ai rencontré des entrepreneurs sénégalais qui ont bénéficié d’un financement de l’Union européenne pour développer leurs projets. L’occasion d’échanger avec l’un d’entre eux sur son parcours, ses ambitions et l’impact de cet accompagnement dans le développement de son activité. Des initiatives inspirantes qui montrent tout le potentiel de la jeunesse entrepreneuriale au Sénégal. ✨ Plus d’infos sur la campagne Daje Ànd Gagner via le lien LinkTree en bio. #DajeAndGagner #UEauSenegal #GlobalGateway #Entrepreneuriat #Innovation Senegal YouthEmpowerment

With our Global Gateway strategy, we are making sure that our external action makes Europe stronger, safer and more competitive. Global Europe, as the external pillar of EU’s future budget, will help us with that. Today in Strasbourg, I met with MEP @hildebentele and MEP @nielsgeuking.europa to discuss how this instrument can reinforce Europe’s global partnerships - by mobilising private investment, creating jobs and advancing sustainable development with our partners.

Jádro je spolehlivý, nízkoemisní zdroj, bez kterého se stabilní evropská energetika v budoucnosti neobejde. Zdůrazňoval jsem to jako ministr a opakuji to i jako eurokomisař. Jsem rád, že v tom má nyní jasno i Evropská komise. Dnes jsme na college odsouhlasili strategii, jejíž součástí je podpora pro rozvoj malých modulárních reaktorů (SMR) s cílem uvést první do provozu co nejdříve. Podpora jádra tak bude zásadní jak pro evropskou energetiku, tak pro evropské hospodářství. Jaderný průmysl totiž může přinést významnou vzpruhu a udělat z Evropy globální centrum pro technologii SMR. To platí i pro Česko. Díky spolupráci společností ČEZ a Rolls-Royce na rozvoji modulárních reaktorů, kterou jsme v minulých letech zajistili, máme v této oblasti výrazný náskok.

Today, the College of Commissioners took an important step towards strengthening Europe’s clean energy transition ♻️ Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is not only essential for our climate - it is also about ensuring energy security, competitiveness and lower bills for Europeans. With the Clean Energy Investment Strategy, we are accelerating investment into the technologies that will power Europe’s future, create quality jobs and strengthen our economy. At the same time, we are launching a Citizens Energy Package to ensure Europeans can fully exercise their rights in the energy market and benefit from the transition through fairer prices and clearer consumer protections ⚖️ Europe’s clean energy transition must work for our economy, our security and our citizens. Today we are moving that transition forward.

This week I was in Dakar, Senegal, together with my colleague Josef Síkela. During our visit, we discussed enhancing cooperation to combat migrant smuggling, improving returns and readmission, and strengthening border and coastal management. In this context, we handed over 17 boats during the inauguration of the Maritime Maintenance Centre. We are taking concrete steps to save lives and secure our borders. I would like to thank President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and our Senegalese partners for the warm welcome. I look forward to continuing to build a balanced, forward-looking partnership based on trust, responsibility, and shared ambition.

Today is a good moment to say thank you to the many great women who are part of my life. In my family, among friends, or at work, they make everything so much better and I’m very grateful for that. Happy International Women’s Day to women everywhere.

J’ai eu l’opportunité d’assister à la rencontre entre des entrepreneurs sénégalais et le Commissaire européen aux Partenariats internationaux 🇪🇺 lors de sa visite au Sénégal 🇸🇳 Un moment d’échanges autour de l’entrepreneuriat, des opportunités et du rôle que peuvent jouer les jeunes dans le développement de nos économies. Inspirant de voir autant d’initiatives et d’ambition réunies autour de la même table. ✨ #DajeAndGagner #UEauSenegal #GlobalGateway #Entrepreneuriat #Innovation YouthEmpowerment

Whether in Berlaymont, Dakar or anywhere else, with Global Gateway we ensure that Europe’s external investments reinforce our internal priorities. Security is a key part of that. My mission to Senegal showed this in practice. This is what we do 👇 Senegal is one of the world’s youngest countries, with around 300,000 young people entering the labour market every year. This is a huge opportunity, but only if new economic opportunities are created. During my mission, I focused exactly on that, because our future cooperation depends on turning this potential into sustainable jobs and long-term growth. Through Global Gateway, we invest in strategic sectors that drive economic development across the country. The €72 million FIT! Initiative supports Senegalese youth with quality vocational training in high-demand sectors such as digital technologies, renewable energy and mobility. At the same time, we are deepening security and migration cooperation to strengthen maritime and coastal protection, fight smuggling networks and support safe return and reintegration. My mission advanced our Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership to a new level, bringing together economic development and security in one coherent framework. Because opportunity, stability and responsible migration management reinforce each other.

I’m lucky in my role as Commissioner for International Partnerships to rely on hundreds of great colleagues in Brussels and in EU Delegations across the world. Today at our INTPA Days, I met many of them to take stock of our results and to align on the next priorities for Europe’s international partnerships. Because with Global Gateway, we must ensure that our external action reinforces Europe’s internal goals: strengthening our security, building reliable supply chains, supporting the competitiveness of European companies, and advancing sustainable development together with our partners.