Advertisement

Sweden braces for 'trying' EU presidency

TT/The Local
TT/The Local - [email protected]
Sweden braces for 'trying' EU presidency

Financial crisis, climate change and an uncertain balance of power; Sweden has a long list issues to tackle when it takes over the European Union (EU) presidency on July 1st, according to the responsible Swedish ministers. In addition, officials are expecting Iceland to seek fast-tracked EU membership.

Advertisement

On Monday, Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt and EU minister Cecilia Malmström presented the government's priorities for the upcoming EU presidency to international media. They also introduced the Swedish “fika culture” and ordered 400 homemade cinnamon buns from the Swedish Church in Brussels.

Journalists from countries hoping to join the EU were among the most inquisitive. Many have great expectations for “expansion-friendly” Sweden, but Bildt emphasized they needed to be realistic about what Sweden can achieve during its presidency.

“Miracles are not on our agenda,” Bildt told TT.

At the top of the Sweden's list are the financial crisis and negotiations for a global treaty on climate change, as well as several institutional issues.

Sweden cannot count on being able to take advantage of momentum gathered within the EU's institutions as previous presidencies could do. The EU Parliament is newly elected, the Commission is on its way out and its chairman, José Manuel Barroso, does not yet know whether he is staying or going.

In addition, many issues will remain unresolved until Ireland votes on the new EU constitution, the Lisbon treaty, for a second time in October.

Bildt was asked if he would want to become the EU's “foreign minister” if the constitution enters into force and if such a position were to be created.

“No, I'm not a candidate for anything,” Bildt answered.

Also on Monday, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt met with representatives of the Moderate's Nordic sister parties in Copenhagen. Bjarni Benediktsson, leader of the Icelandic Independence Party, said that he hopes that “Sweden can help get us through” if Iceland applies for EU membership.

Reinfeldt spoke about an “extremely trying” presidency. He also said that Sweden could push for Icelandic membership, but also pointed that there is a major “expansion fatigue” in the EU and that a lot of how long it takes for the country to join the EU is up to Iceland.

“To a great extent, you have a great deal of influence yourself, for instance in how you formulate national exceptions during membership negotiations.”

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also