What are the aims and ambitions of the Swedish EU presidency?
There are many exciting challenges ahead of us. Chief of these is the climate issue, where the EU has taken the lead globally with high ambitions to prevent climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our primary goal for the Swedish presidency is for the EU to successfully bring about a global agreement when the United Nations holds its climate conference in Copenhagen in December.
Another priority is to continue reducing the effects of the global recession and to lead Europe through the economic crisis. But there are many other questions on our plate as well. We aim to adopt an EU Baltic Sea Strategy for improving the marine environment and strengthening the region’s competitiveness, we also plan to adopt the new Stockholm Programme for cooperation in the justice sector. Furthermore, to facilitate continued EU enlargement is an important issue for the Swedish EU presidency.

With a new European Parliament in place for the beginning of the presidency, how much will this transition affect your agenda?
Our presidency will obviously be affected by the shift in the EU institutions. A newly elected European Parliament is one of those aggravating issues, as well as a new Commission and continued uncertainty regarding the Lisbon Treaty. The conditions for our presidency are tough, but we are well prepared for the tasks ahead, and we will do our very best to conduct a transparent and result-oriented presidency in the interests of the whole of Europe.

The EU is experiencing an unprecedented economic downturn. What are the main challenges facing the Swedish presidency in the current climate?
Among the main challenges in the area of economic and financial policy will be to restore confidence when it comes to the financial markets and to handle the negative effects of the crisis concerning employment and growth. It’s also important to create long-term solutions for sustainable growth, jobs and open markets.

With EU forecasts predicting up to 8.5 million job losses over the next two years, what can national governments do to promote employment and job growth?
There is no doubt that unemployment will increase due to the current situation. At this stage, governments have to do their outmost to maintain labour market participation and preserve a skilled workforce. We also have to implement active policies to promote labour market participation that re-activate and activate unemployed to facilitate the adaptability of the labour force to prepare for stronger economic times. Otherwise, there is a risk that people already in unemployment will move further away from the labour market, permanently.

In an uncertain business climate, how important is an EU-wide consensus on achieving job stability and growth?
The measures that are taken to alleviate the social consequences of the crisis have to be in line with our long-term priorities of high growth and full employment. There is a broad consensus on the route to take for the EU. But it is up to each country to choose the methods to reach the goal – not least because the situation differs among the member states.

How do you think the EU can overcome protectionist tendencies and fears about unemployment in order to ensure competitive open markets, internally and externally?
We have to remind ourselves of the very foundation of the European project, the ‘four freedoms’: free movement of goods, people, services and capital. National measures must not turn into narrow protectionist schemes. Such a development would threaten to lead to an increase in unemployment for Europe and elsewhere, and make fighting the crisis much more difficult.

In what ways has the upcoming presidency impacted on business activity and entrepreneurship in Sweden?
As the informal meetings are to take place all over Sweden, the presidency enables smaller cities in Sweden to promote their individual profiles, which in turn has a positive impact on local businesses and tourism. Hence, the presidency means an opportunity for Swedish entrepreneurs to bring to light for example, women’s businesses, eco-efficient products and high-quality technology solutions. An increased interest in EU-related topics and an urge to understand the EU decision-making process has also emerged and will probably do so throughout our presidency.

Have Swedish businesses highlighted issues of concern to be addressed at a European level?
Yes, Swedish businesses have highlighted the fulfilment of the recovery plan and better regulation, as well as a global commitment on CO2 emissions as priorities.

You place great emphasis on EU enlargement for a strong Europe. How do you plan to facilitate the progression of EU negotiations with Croatia and Turkey?
The enlargement of the EU contributes to increased security, democracy and prosperity in Europe. A larger EU offers greater opportunities for close contacts and cooperation with a larger number of countries. With more members, the EU can also play a more significant role in foreign policy, development assistance and trade.
The progress in Croatia’s reforms during 2008 has made it possible to approach the final stage of the negotiations. As regards Turkey, continued progress in the country’s accession negotiations is an important ambition for the Swedish presidency.

How significant are structural reforms e.g. the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Stability, in fighting the economic downturn in Europe?
Sweden’s position is that the continued implementation of the Lisbon Strategy and economic and structural reforms are of utmost importance to create a long-term sustainable recuperation of the European economy. In the current crisis it is important not to lose focus of the long-term challenges such as strengthening the EU’s competitiveness in the world, creating an eco-efficient economy and meeting the challenge of an ageing population. The Lisbon Treaty is an important tool in this respect.

Have you made provisions for the possible ratification of the Lisbon Treaty during your term?
Provided that all member states ratify the Lisbon Treaty, Sweden may be the first Presidency applying the new Treaty. The Swedish presidency will then strive for as smooth a transition as possible so that everything will be functioning fully from the very day the Treaty enters into force.
However, it was decided at the EU Summit in December 2007 that Sweden will continue to lead the EU under Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt as President of the European Council until 31 December, irrespective of whether or not the Treaty has been ratified by all member states by then. Any changes involving the appointment of a permanent President of the European Council will be made subsequently.