Czechs Join the Cabinets of EU Members from Spain, France, and Slovenia, Reports CTK

Brussels – Several Czech officials have successfully secured positions in the cabinets of the newly appointed European Commissioners, as reported by ČTK. Czech representative Karolína Kottová is set to join the cabinet of Slovenian Commissioner Marta Kos, while two other Czechs will work for Spanish EC Vice-President Teresa Ribera and French EC Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné. Additionally, the Czech Republic will be represented among the new European Commission spokespersons by Eva Hrnčířová, who will oversee a wide range of areas including employment, culture, and health. This was announced by the chief spokesperson of the new EU executive, Paula Pinheiro.

Before taking office, the new Czech European Commissioner Jozef Síkela emphasized his commitment to not only forming his own cabinet but also to ensuring that as many Czech nationals as possible are integrated into the cabinets of other European Commission members. Members of Síkela’s cabinet come from a mix of countries, including the Czech Republic, France, Spain, Italy, Latvia, and Slovenia, suggesting that there might be Czech representatives in exchange within these cabinets.

According to sources from ČTK, Karolína Kottová, who brings extensive experience from various past cabinets and her role as an EC spokesperson, will assist Slovenian Commissioner Marta Kos, who oversees the EU enlargement portfolio. Additionally, two other Czechs are set to join the cabinet of the Spanish Vice-President or her French counterpart. However, it remains unclear if a Czech representative has been appointed to the cabinet of Italian EC Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, responsible for reforms and cohesion.

The Czech Republic will also have a presence in another significant role in Brussels. Czech diplomat Veronika Musilová has recently joined the cabinet of the new President of the European Council, António Costa, as previously reported by Hospodářské noviny. Musilová will handle relations with Asian and Pacific nations as well as the United Kingdom, which includes preparations for high-level summits with countries like China and Japan, along with meetings involving British officials.

The new European Commission has also seen changes in the spokespersons for various sectors covered by the EU executive. The chief spokesperson for the second term of President Ursula von der Leyen is Portuguese attorney Paula Pinheiro, who manages a team of 13 spokespersons, including Czech Eva Hrnčířová, who previously served in the cabinet of EC Vice-President Věra Jourová.