During the first half of the year, Sweden will lead the work in the Council of the EU and represent all 27 Member States in negotiations with other EU institutions. The Swedish Presidency will chair approximately 2 000 meetings in Brussels and Luxembourg, and approximately 150 informal meetings will be held in locations throughout Sweden.
“Sweden is taking over the Presidency at a time when the European Union is facing unprecedented challenges. A greener, more secure and freer Europe is the foundation of our priorities,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on 14 December when he presented the priorities of the Swedish Presidency to the Riksdag.
The enhancement of European defence cooperation in a variety of aspects is one of the priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU. In the Swedish Presidency Programme states:
“Given the deteriorating security situation in Europe, security and defence issues in the EU have become more important. Sweden welcomes efforts to strengthen European defence capabilities and the EU’s ability to act. The Presidency will support EU efforts to continue providing military support to Ukraine, and issues such as long–term planning and consensus are particularly important. The Strategic Compass provides a framework for the development of EU security and defence policy in the years to come. The Swedish Presidency will work to implement the defence–related sections of the Strategic Compass.
The Swedish Presidency intends to contribute to the development of the EU’s bilateral, multilateral and regional security and defence policy partnerships by highlighting the importance of enhanced cooperation and dialogue with strategic partners. Promoting EU NATO cooperation is a particular priority. Discussions on developing EU military operations and utilising the European Peace Facility will continue.
The Presidency will advance negotiations on a short–term instrument to enhance the European defence industry through joint procurement. The Presidency is prepared to initiate negotiations on an upcoming long–term European investment programme in the area of defence.
Sweden will support EU efforts to strengthen resilience to different types of threats and risks, in both digital and physical infrastructure. During its Presidency, Sweden will promote work on a space strategy for security and defence. The Presidency will also advance the work on the proposal concerning an EU cyber defence policy.”
Reado the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union Programme – click here.
