Jozef Síkela

Since December 2024, Jozef Síkela has been the European Commissioner for International Partnerships. In this role, he is responsible for leading the European Union’s efforts to build and strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships with countries worldwide, focusing on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and global stability. He plays a key role in scaling up the Global Gateway—the EU’s development strategy that supports international win-win cooperation between equal, reliable partners and brings benefits to both. Under this strategy, the EU, together with its partners, promotes investments in infrastructure, green energy, digital technologies, health, and research and education.

Before joining the European Commission, Jozef Síkela was the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade (2021–2024), where he promoted renewable energy development, energy security for both the Czech Republic and Europe, foreign investments in modern technologies, and economic competitiveness.

Prior to that, Jozef Síkela held top positions in the European banking sector. He advanced to the leadership of a banking group, Erste Group, through successful tenures leading its branches in Ukraine and Slovakia. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Erste Group.

He received his master’s degree in 1991 from the Prague University of Economics and Business.