Sweden in the EU

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson presented the Statement of Government EU Policy in the Riksdag on 13 November. Check against delivery.

The EU has imposed new sanctions against Iran, in response to Iran’s military support of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These restrictive measures aim to obstruct Iran’s production of weapons and arms supplies to Russia.

On 19 November, the defence segment of the EU Foreign Affairs Council will convene. The meeting will focus on continued EU support to Ukraine and strengthening EU defence readiness and preparedness. Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will represent Sweden at the meeting.

Ukraine’s closer ties with the EU promote the country’s development and contribute to security and stability throughout Europe. Sweden is a committed and long-term partner in this integration process and supports Ukraine on its path towards EU membership.

On 11–13 November, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa and Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz will receive Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan.

Today, the EU decided to extend the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) Ukraine. The Mission strengthens Ukraine’s capability to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will now be extended by two years.

Together with his ministerial counterparts in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa has written a letter to the European Commission proposing increased import tariffs on Russian goods.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on recent attacks against UNIFIL.

President-elect of the European Council António Costa will take office at the beginning of December. On 8 October, Mr Costa was welcomed to Stockholm by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. During a working lunch, they discussed working methods and issues that will be high on the EU agenda going forward.

The EU decided on 8 October to introduce a new sanctions regime in response to Russia’s destabilising activities. The sanctions aim to counter Russia’s hybrid activity against the EU, its Member States and international partners.

Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the Iranian attack against Israel

On 16 September, the Swedish Government received the Government of Finland for a joint government meeting. The aim was to further strengthen the deep cooperation between the two countries. It also provided an opportunity for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ two new ministers to welcome their Finnish counterparts for the first time. Support to Ukraine and support to innovative scale-ups were the focus.

Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is in Helsinki on 13 September to meet with Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen. The agenda includes discussions on regional cooperation, NATO and support to Ukraine. The visit to Helsinki is Ms Malmer Stenergard’s first in her capacity as Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.

Afghanistan: Statement of the High Representative on behalf of the EU on latest restrictions imposed by the Taliban on the people.

The European Union remains extremely concerned about the deepening political crisis in Venezuela.

The Government has decided to refer proposals to the Council on Legislation that aim to improve Sweden’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified workers.