Minister Štefan Füle's Statement on the Allocation of Portfolios in the European Commission

“The area of enlargement is among those the Czech Republic pursued, and for this reason I am very happy this portfolio managed to be gained. The Czech Republic has recent experience with accession to the European Union, and during its presidency it gained respect among countries pursuing integration. It is positive that part of the portfolio will also include neighbourhood policy, which has the expansion of the zone of stability and prosperity as its main goal.

The process of enlargement is without a doubt one of the European Union's greatest successes, but at the same time its continuation is one of the most fundamental challenges it currently faces. For this reason, I am prepared to work closely not only with President of the European Commission J. M. Barosso, but also with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, whose support is key for this portfolio.

A commissioner's role is not only to work exclusively on a specific portfolio, but also shared responsibility for the activity of the entire European Commission, which I consider no less important. I am prepared to place emphasis not only on cooperation within the Commission, but also toward its main partners, especially in the European Parliament.“