Statement by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

We live in times of great geopolitical shifts. The rules-based international order as we know it is under pressure and Europe and the EU needs to face this reality and act accordingly.

The transatlantic relationship has changed. This is a fact. Throughout our lives, the United States has been the backbone for transatlantic security and prosperity. Now we face a very different language against Europe and we need to be honest about the fact that our relationship has suffered a blow.

This does not at all mean we should abandon the transatlantic relation. The US is the EU:s largest trading partner, the ultimate guarantor of NATO’s Article 5, and our historic and people-to-people ties are deep. But it means that we need a strategic and mental shift in Europe, to make sure we can do more on our own, and with other partners.
”Without strength, tough words are just empty words”, as the president of Finland recently put it.

Therefore, let me mention three priorities I bring to our discussions in Munich. They might be obvious, but still key:

• First: Global influence starts at home. This is the moment to push ahead to make Europe more competitive. From tearing down barriers and cutting red tape on the single market, to increasing global trade and our economic security. But “Buy European” protectionism is not the answer. It would force our companies to follow more rules when we must work in the exact opposite direction. Thus, ”Made with Europe” is s better slogan.
  
  
• Second: We need to take a greater responsibility for our own security in Europe. Sweden, as the newest member of NATO, is keenly aware of the importance of the US to security in our part of the world. But the Alliance needs to be rebalanced, also for our own sake. A stronger responsibility for our own defence will also make Europe stronger globally. Sweden has tripled our defence spending during the last five years, planning to reach NATO’s Defence Spending target of 3,5% five years ahead of NATO’s schedule.
  
  
• Third: Stay focused on Russia’s war against Ukraine and Russia’s behaviour in Europe. Countries around the world are watching, carefully noting what Russia might get away with. They have seen some European strength – we have done more than many expected. But they have also seen some weakness. If we’re honest: our words have sometimes been stronger than our budgetary allocations. I could say that with some weight - Sweden being a top global donor of military support to Ukraine.

We will see if anything happens in negotiations the next couple of weeks, but the basic confrontation along our Eastern borders will continue, and the rest of the world will continue to watch. If they see Ukraine succeeding and moving towards EU membership – European influence in the world will grow. If they see the opposite, they will adjust their priorities accordingly.

Our broad EU toolbox is a source of strength. The European Union represents 15 percent of global GDP. We are the largest trading block in the world, and we bring much needed stability and predictability to global trade. We must continue working for new trade and partnership agreements, and implement those already agreed. We are also the biggest donor of development assistance, which gives us important political leverage. We need to build on these strengths.

It’s important to remember that we are far from alone. Most countries – like us – firmly reject the notion of bigger countries having “spheres of influence”. Most countries in the world are middle powers. Cooperation with strategic partners remains central and constitutes an important part of strengthening European security.

We have the tools to shape our own future, promote security and stability in our neighbourhood and to project our own geopolitical interests. We can achieve this as long as we stand united and act on the main security challenges facing Europe.

Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden