Latest news with #JozefSíkela
Bloomberg
23-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Europe Draws Contrast to US With €300 Billion Aid Plan
The European Union is redoubling its efforts on aid for developing nations, hoping it will make more allies at a time when the US has slashed funding for overseas projects of all kinds. Jozef Síkela, the European Commissioner for international partnerships, is working to deliver €300 billion ($340 billion) of aid at a rate of €90 billion a year. That is going to 100 countries for 200 projects mostly related to sustainability, renewable energy and climate change across Asia, Africa and Latin America. The scale of the program marks a sharp contrast with the US, which has slashed development aid since President Trump took office and is continuing only programs that directly pay off for US taxpayers. Síkela's aim is to invest where it benefits both the EU and the partner nation – cleaning up the atmosphere while also deepening links with European businesses. He spoke in an interview at the BloombergNEF Summit in New York. (Source: Bloomberg)
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
EU Commission Becomes Official Partner of 2025 AFCON in Morocco
Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has signed a new partnership agreement with the European Commission (EC), making the Commission an official partner for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, both men's and women's, that will take place in Morocco. The agreement was signed on Sunday in Cairo by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. Under this partnership, the European Commission will support the men's AFCON, scheduled in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, as well as the Women's AFCON, set to take place from July 5 to July 26 this year. The partnership also includes support for the African Schools Football Championship. Motsepe described the partnership as a 'recognition of the significant progress that has been made in CAF and the respect that emanates from the governance, ethics, and transparency policies that we have introduced, as well as our zero tolerance of corruption.' He added that the partnership with the European Commission reflects the shared commitment to developing African football and 'the expansion of the cultural, trade and investment relationships between our two continents.' Meanwhile, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the strong bond between Africa and Europe, saying that they are 'partners of choice.' For the commission, 'this partnership is about creating bonds, about empowering young people, local communities, and entire regions. Sport and football are part of it,' Leyen said. The cooperation will focus on creating new opportunities, including new jobs, a quality health system, improved public services, and new partnerships. A key element of this agreement, Síkela says, is the support for the CAF African Schools Championship, which will reach up to 33,000 schools across Africa. Tags: afconCAFEuropean CommissionMorocco
See - Sada Elbalad
18-05-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
EU, CAF Forge Landmark Partnership to Empower African Youth Through Football
Ahmed Emam In a step intended to strengthen youth development and visibility of European investments across Africa, the European Union (EU) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to ink a three-year cooperation and sponsorship agreement. The deal, which was formalized ahead of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Final in Cairo, is set to deepen collaboration between Europe and Africa through sport, education, and community engagement. Signed by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, the agreement marks a strategic alliance between the EU and Africa's football governing body. It will channel support toward CAF's youth and safeguarding programmes while promoting the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to mobilize up to €150 billion in sustainable investments across Africa by 2027. At the heart of the partnership is the CAF African Schools Championship—Africa's largest youth football competition. Since its launch in 2022, the tournament has involved more than 1.9 million boys and girls from 46 countries. With the EU's backing, the competition is expected to expand to 33,000 schools, combining football with leadership training, education, and community involvement. The initiative is designed not only to foster talent on the pitch but to instill critical life values such as respect, perseverance, and teamwork. Prize money awarded to winners is reinvested into schools through infrastructure projects and educational resources. The EU-CAF agreement also bolsters efforts to protect young athletes through the continent-wide Safeguarding Programme, launched by CAF in 2022. The initiative includes the appointment of dedicated safeguarding officers in all 54 CAF member associations, training sessions on preventing exploitation and trafficking, and a series of awareness campaigns under the banner #ProtectTheDream. These measures aim to create safe environments for children and teenagers involved in football as they transition from grassroots to elite levels. Beyond youth competitions, the EU will be actively involved in several of CAF's flagship tournaments, including the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and 2026, the Men's AFCON in 2025 and 2027, and ongoing safeguarding and school-based activities. These events provide a significant platform for the EU to enhance its presence and reinforce its commitment to Africa's development goals. The partnership reflects a broader EU strategy to use sport as a driver for social change. Through the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is investing in areas ranging from renewable energy and digital infrastructure to education and healthcare. Projects such as the Lobito Corridor in Southern Africa, the Nachtigal Hydropower Plant in Cameroon, and vocational training programmes in Angola and Senegal underline Europe's long-term commitment to Africa's sustainable growth. Motsepe praised the agreement as a transformative step for African football and youth empowerment. 'Football is more than a game. It's a platform to build futures, strengthen communities, and create lasting partnerships,' he said. Commissioner Síkela echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership 'a bridge between continents' that will deliver impact where it's needed most. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Bloomberg
29-04-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
US-EU Trade Instability 'Not Good for Business': Jozef Síkela
Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships at the EU Commission, says he is optimistic about the future of trade between the US and Europe. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU-Central Asia cooperation expands as Commissioner Síkela's visit seals major deals
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela has finished a tightly packed visit to the five Central Asian countries, where he met with high-ranking officials and signed several deals to bolster the Global Gateway strategy. The initiative, which aims to mobilise €300 billion worldwide, focuses on four key sectors in Central Asia: transport, critical raw materials, digital connectivity, and sustainable energy. 'There is a huge untapped potential. This visit to the region should not only underline the importance of the region and the importance of the European and Central Asian connections, this is also about concrete things. And we want to not only increase our presence but to contribute to the economic development of the whole region,' Síkela told Euronews. He emphasised Central Asia's unique position, noting its landlocked nations, the challenges posed by partial sanctions, and proximity to countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, and China — despite which Central Asia shares the EU's commitment to the UN Charter and the rule of law, making it an important partner in an increasingly fragmented world. The commissioner's visit began in Turkmenistan, where discussions focused on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a vital economic route connecting Europe and Central Asia. He also welcomed Turkmenistan's accession to the Global Methane Pledge, alongside the signing of two agreements, including in renewable energy. In Kazakhstan, a €200 million framework loan to fund sustainable projects was signed between the European Investment Bank and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. The discussions also included critical raw materials and Europe's interest in securing essential resources for its green and digital transition. 'On one side, we need the raw materials for the European green and digital transition. On the other side, we need the countries rich [in raw materials] to have the most modern and environment-friendly ways to extract. So, we are offering technical support, feasibility and innovative technologies from European companies,' Síkela stated. Energy development took centre stage in Tajikistan, where a €20 million agreement was signed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to modernise the country's energy system and expand renewable energy sources. At the same time, the EBRD provided €42 million to Kyrgyzstan for the Resilient Water Resources Programme, aimed at improving water management. In Uzbekistan, digital connectivity was a key focus, with two agreements signed to expand rural internet access. The initiative includes a €34.4 million EU grant and a €25.35 million loan to SES, a Europe-based satellite company, to bring broadband internet to remote areas across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Related Taking care of business: How Kyrgyzstan became Moscow's middle man Clean air policies may have 'unfortunate consequences' for methane emissions 'This excellent initiative goes beyond connectivity, it opens doors to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, helping to bring the digital divide and drive global connectivity,' said EIB Vice-President Kyriakos Kakouris after the signing. Another crucial element of Síkela's visit to Uzbekistan was ensuring preparations for the first EU-Central Asia Summit, set for early April. The agenda will include interregional cooperation, trade and investment opportunities, as well as discussions on global security challenges such as Russia's war in Ukraine and shifting US policies.
