Sweden to Take Over EU Presidency

Sweden will take over the rotating six-month European Union (EU) Presidency from the Czech Republic next Wednesday.

Two of the major challenges ahead for the EU are navigating the group’s economic crisis and paving the way for success at a make-or-break climate summit later in the year.

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt says he is deeply worried by the soaring public debt across Europe.

[Fredrik Reinfeldt, Swedish Prime Minister]:
„Well, I’m deeply worried, because the history in Europe was that we were highly indebted, and that is not sustainable long-term because it is sending the invoices to future generations and it’s not a ground for sustainable financing of welfare and other important parts of a nation state.“

The European Commission forecasts the overall deficit in the bloc will rise to 6 percent this year and 7.3 percent next year, unless policies are changed.

And debate is fierce over how to end the unconventional policy steps that have pumped billions of euros into fighting the crisis.

Another priority for the Swedish presidency will be the lead-up to the international climate summit in Copenhagen at the end of the year.

Sweden will push for a unified approach among the 27-nation bloc.

[Fredrik Reinfeldt, Swedish Prime Minister]:
„We understand that we must go from the coalition of the willing, which was the Koyoto process but only covered 30 percent of the emissions, to a coalition of nearly everyone because otherwise we won’t solve the global climate threat that we’re living with.”

Some analysts believe small countries tend to run more successful presidencies by making the most of being in limelight and being good at listening and brokering.  Sweden is also known for liking quiet diplomacy and an ice-in-the-veins approach to doing business.

But political turmoil in Iran, a „no“ vote in Ireland to the Lisbon Treaty, or a Russia-Ukraine gas crisis, or any one of a number of possible flare-ups, could divert attention from the economy and climate issues.

Expanding EU membership is another thorny issue.

Some EU states are opposed to the idea, but Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt says the door to the union remained open to new members.

For all its admirers, Sweden is not without its critics.

[Dick Erixon, Former Swedish Politician]:
„I think the government’s ambition is way too high, especially when it comes to climate change.“

Erixon, who writes one of Sweden’s most-read political blogs, says the presidency should focus on the economic crisis.

(NTDTV)