European Defence Agency chief backs EU Defence Commissioner idea

9 months ago 31

The head of the European Defence Agency, Jiří Šedivý, backed the idea of a future European Commission that would include an EU Defence Commissioner, in an interview with Euractiv Czechia.

According to Šedivý, the current set-up of the Commission does not reflect the recent developments in the EU’s defence agenda.

“Well, I can imagine that (establishment of EU Defence Commissioner) very well. Because actually, the present arrangement goes back to a very different historical situation,” Šedivý commented.

He pointed out that the defence agenda is currently spread between two Commissioners with broad portfolios.

Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell, also the official Head of the European Defence Agency, juggles an extensive range of responsibilities – from EU diplomacy to defence and security policy. Another part of the EU’s defence agenda – the industry – is included in the portfolio of Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is responsible for the internal market.

“In the current situation, where the EU is starting to profile itself much more in the area of defence, although that does not mean an ambition to replace NATO in collective defence, I think it would make sense to merge these activities under one commissioner,” Šedivý said in the interview.

When asked about his ambitions, Šedivý did not hesitate to take on a role in the next Commission, should the opportunity arise after the 2024 European elections.

The Czech government is expected to nominate a new figure to the EU executive, as the current Czech Commissioner, Věra Jourová, is serving her second term and is closely associated with the previous ruling cabinet.

According to Šedivý, the Czech Republic could get a strong portfolio – such as defence and security – in the next Commission, as it has “an excellent reputation for supporting Ukraine” and has had a very successful presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2022.

“I also think it is time for someone from our region to hold this position,” he said, referring to the fact that the role of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – created by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 – has so far been held by Spanish, Italian and British politicians and that Central and Eastern Europe would like to be represented in the next mandate.

(Dávid Pásztor, Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz)