Sweden’s EU Presidency 2023

Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist took part in the informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Brest, France on 12–13 January. The meeting was dominated by the serious security policy situation, with focus on the situation in and around Ukraine. In addition, the influence of state and non-state actors in areas of operation such as Mali was discussed, along with the continued work on the EU Strategic Compass. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell took part in the meeting. UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix also took part via video link.

At the EU’s General Affairs Council meeting on 14 December, the ministers for EU affairs approved the overall political direction for the French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies of the Council – known as the 18-month programme. The trio Presidency took over in January 2022, and Sweden will lead the work of the Council between 1 January and 30 June 2023.

The Presidency of the Council rotates between EU Member States every six months. During a six-month period, the Presidency will drive forward the Council’s work on EU legislation, ensure continuity of the EU agenda and ensure that legislative processes are carried out in an orderly manner and that Member States cooperate. The two main tasks of the Presidency are to plan and chair the meetings of the Council and its preparatory bodies and to represent the Council in its relations with other EU institutions.

The European Commission will be invited to Kiruna when Sweden holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January–30 June 2023.