Sweden took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from the Czech Republic on 1 January 2023. This is the third time Sweden is assuming the rotating Presidency of the Council after January-June 2001 and July-December 2009. The Swedish EU Presidency which will last until 30 June 2023 will also conclude the 18-month programme of the 11^th Trio Presidency consisting of France, Czech Republic and Sweden.

Sweden's newly elected Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson published the priorities and work programme for the Swedish EU Presidency on 14 December 2022. The priorities and work programme reflect Sweden's traditional positions in the EU and respond to the current economic and geopolitical challenges facing the Union.

The Main Priorities Set Out by the Swedish EU Presidency

The priorities identified by Sweden EU Presidency are as follows:

-Security-Unity

-Resilience- Competitiveness

-Prosperity- Green & Energy Transitions

-Democratic Values and the Rule of Law - Our Foundation

Sweden's priorities and programme highlight issues related to the security of the EU and its citizens, joint support for Ukraine, energy security, the climate transition, the need to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the European Single Market.

There are already some concerns about the Sweden's EU Presidency, which has recently formed a government led by the centre-right Moderate Union Party and has also been working to join NATO. In light of these four priorities, the Presidency plans to organise around 2,000 official meetings in Brussels and Luxembourg and around 150 official/informal meetings in Sweden.

Since joining the EU in 1995, Sweden has left its mark in many policy areas. It is expected to leave its mark both on the legislative initiatives started by the Czech EU Presidency and on its own programme. It is also expected that Sweden will seek a broad consensus among EU countries and call for pragmatism for real solutions. In particular, Sweden is expected to prioritise the negotiation of the files under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, negotiation of the Fit for 55 Package, EU leadership on the reform of the WTO, wider trade relations with the US, more ambitious free trade agreements with third countries and the implementation of the Single Market Emergency Instrument.

Sweden will hold the rotating EU Presidency for six months under the motto "greener, safer and freer". Despite the recent change of government and the difficulties in achieving unity among EU Member States, Sweden aims to carry out an effective Presidency. Moreover, during its six-month Presidency, Sweden has to fulfil the EU's priorities, with challenges such as the war in Ukraine, tackling inflation in Europe and securing energy supplies.

Further information on the programme and priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council is available here and the social media account of Swedish EU Presidency could be accessed from here.