For the third time since joining in 1995, Sweden will chair the Council of the European Union (EU) for six months. And the least we can say is that this responsibility seems far from arousing enthusiasm.
During the recent campaign for the legislative elections already, in September, the subject was conspicuous by its absence. And when, two months later, the Conservative Prime Minister who emerged from the ballot, Ulf Kristersson, presented to Parliament his priorities for the future in this area, only around twenty MPs and three ministers came to listen to him.
On the merits, the leader of the conservative liberal coalition, which governs with the support of the far right since October 18, has not made any major announcements. He mentioned the war on Europe’s borders and the unconditional commitment of the Twenty-Seven alongside the Ukrainians, EU security, the challenge of energy transition and the defense of democratic values. He also committed himself to free trade, condemning “protectionism”who “is not the right way (…) whether on this side or the other of the Atlantic”.
In his speech, Ulf Kristersson “is part of the continuity of the previous government”, led by the Social Democrats, analyzes Goran von Sydow, director of the Swedish Institute for European Political Studies (Sieps) in Stockholm. However, he notes, the Prime Minister has not dissipated “uncertainty” concerning the role of the Sweden Democrats (SD) party – a far-right Eurosceptic formation – during the six months of this Swedish presidency.
Swedes overwhelmingly in favor of the EU
While the coalition agreement, signed by the Conservatives, Liberals, Christian Democrats and SD, does not cover European policy, it does stipulate that the party should be informed or consulted on decisions taken in Brussels that may affect subjects covered by the agreement. On December 13, the former head of government, the Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson, said to herself “preoccupied” that Jimmie Akesson, boss of the SD, “leads the Swedish line during the presidency”.
This concern would be unjustified, according to former Conservative MEP Christofer Fjellner. According to him, “the alliance with the SD should not have any repercussions on the Swedish presidency of the EU”. He does not exclude, however, that the government will encounter opposition in Parliament, in Stockholm, when it has to have decisions taken in Brussels ratified, which could place it in a delicate situation. “Especially if it is a question of pouring more money into European funds, to deal with the various current crises, which the SD will have difficulty justifying to their voters”notes journalist Ylva Nilsson, a specialist in European issues.
You have 62.34% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.