Stockholm government shows no enthusiasm for Europe – Sweden is not in the euro and is distancing itself from Europe, says expert
New year, new EU presidency, with Sweden taking the reins for the first half. A Sweden that has grandiose goals, but will have to come down to the domestic political reality that emerged from the recent parliamentary elections. For the first time a Swedish government, under Ulf Kristerson, was forced to ally with the far-right nationalist Sweden Democrats SD, who won the largest share of the vote and 73 MPs, to secure a narrow majority. Christerson is also the first conservative prime minister in the country after 8 years of socialist rule.
The far-right Sweden Democrats stand in the way
The agenda on the shoulders of the new government in an extremely difficult international situation is heavy, although the Swedish prime minister appears optimistic that he will achieve his goals. He presented the key points of the Swedish presidency in mid-December from the floor of Parliament. “In these difficult times, Sweden takes over the EU presidency. This means commitment. The EU, which became synonymous with peace, freedom and free trade, is today next door to the war that once prompted the need for its creation. Our main goal as the holding state is to help ensure peace in the EU. Sweden will be the driving force and provide constructive services to deepen the EU’s strengths and find compromises in the European Councils.”
Security, competitiveness, maintaining the unity of the 27 in the face of Russian aggression, trade relations with the US, combating climate change, defending the rule of law are some of the priorities. Especially in the last two the far-right Sweden Democrats could play a negative role. “There are very nice words when you read the prime minister’s article about the priorities of the Swedish presidency,” said Hélène Fritson, MEP of the Social Democrats, to the French news agency, “but in practice the concern is great, because it is the Sweden Democrats who hold the baton”. In fact, the party since its foundation does not admit that there is scientific evidence for climate change.
No enthusiasm for Europe
For his part, Sébastien Maillard, director of the Jacques Delors Institute, points out that Sweden does not belong to the euro zone, “it keeps its distance from Europe”. He predicts that the Swedish presidency “will complete its task, but it will not do it with zeal and it will not take a leading role”. The Swedish prime minister is aware of the difficulties, which is why he asked for the help of the legislature. “As in 2001 and 2009, I hope and expect that everyone in Parliament will feel responsible for Sweden and the presidency. In return the government will be very active in pursuing broad Swedish unity. We will start in January at the somewhat dark but beautiful in the dark ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi. And for the first time in many years there will be no Summit at the start of the summer.”
Unlike the last two presidencies, the French and the Czech, which were marked by major summits in Versailles and Prague, no corresponding mobility is foreseen in the country. As for the ministerial meetings, they will be held in a modest conference center near Stockholm International Airport. So the third Swedish presidency in the EU since the country’s accession to the EU in 1995 will shine the spotlight on a country in the European north, in which Europe does not excite its residents. In fact, two decades after the “no” to the common currency, the majority of Swedes continue to reject the euro.
Irini Anastasopoulou/afp/Eurovision
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
