Sweden's Presidency of the Council of the EU

A greener, more secure and freer EU was the goal when Sweden took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January. As the Swedish Presidency comes to an end, it is time to sum up the major achievements – for Sweden and for the EU: Fit for 55, which is the world’s most ambitious climate package, a historic agreement on a new migration policy, and sustained and strengthened support for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is in Brussels for the two-day summit of the European Council. Agenda items include EU support to Ukraine, security and defence, China, migration and competitiveness. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will also sum up the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

On 26–27 June, Europe’s key stakeholders in the life sciences sector will gather to highlight the importance of research and innovation in personalised medicine. The conference, organised within the framework of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU, will be live-streamed.

Yesterday, the UN unanimously adopted a global ocean agreement. The agreement establishes global rules to limit environmental impacts on marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up 95 per cent of the world’s ocean volume and two-thirds of its surface area.

On 19–20 June, the Swedish Presidency will host a conference together with the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova on research data, and how research infrastructure provides new possibilities and benefits for society.

Better distribution of asylum applications, harmonised asylum processes and a more harmonised regulatory framework for third-country workers. After years of negotiations, the EU Member States have agreed on significant parts of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

As holder of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Sweden hosted the fourth meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Luleå on 30–31 May. Luleå, located in Sweden’s Arctic region, was selected as the venue to showcase Swedish solutions for the green and industrial transitions.

Support to Ukraine is the most important priority during the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU. On 1–2 June, the Swedish Presidency held a high-level meeting on protecting children to highlight how Ukrainian children have been affected by Russia’s aggression, and to discuss what EU Member States can do to respond to their needs. A very large number of Member States signed a declaration at the meeting.

On 30–31 May, Sweden will host a meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) within the framework of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The TTC serves as the main forum for the US and EU to coordinate approaches to key global trade, economic and technology issues. The meeting will be held in Luleå and is the fourth of its kind.

On Tuesday 23 May, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will take part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting with defence ministers in Brussels.

The importance of maintaining active competition enforcement with regard to markets and companies in times of crisis was a recurring message during the European Competition Day conference.

Opening speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum on 13 May in Stockholm. Check against delivery.

We are four months into the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and good progress has been made in achieving the energy transition and enhancing long-term growth and productivity in the EU. In parallel, negotiations on EU legislation are ongoing – several agreements have been made, including with regard to the European Chips Act and the Renewable Energy Directive.

Speech by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the opening of the Single Market Forum Conference (SIMFO) on 2 May in Stockholm. Check against delivery.

On 3–4 May, the EU social affairs and labour market ministers will gather in Stockholm for an informal meeting hosted by Minister for Employment and Integration Johan Pehrson and Minister for Older People and Social Security Anna Tenje. Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg will also take part.

Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari hosted an informal meeting of EU environment ministers in Stockholm on 18–19 April, which was also attended by business leaders from across the EU. The focus of the meeting was the green transition and the role of business in promoting biodiversity, circularity and competitiveness.

On 18–19 April, Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari will chair the informal meeting of EU environment ministers at Arlanda. Business leaders will also attend to discuss how decision-makers and businesses can contribute to a green transition in the EU and globally.

Opening remarks by Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell at the European Humanitarian Forum on 20 March 2023 in Brussels. Check against delivery.

Closing remarks by Swedish State Secretary for International Development Cooperation Diana Janse at the European Humanitarian Forum on 21 March 2023 in Brussels. Check against delivery.