Sweden's Presidency of the Council of the EU

Support to Ukraine is the most important priority during the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU. On 1–2 June, the Swedish Presidency held a high-level meeting on protecting children to highlight how Ukrainian children have been affected by Russia’s aggression, and to discuss what EU Member States can do to respond to their needs. A very large number of Member States signed a declaration at the meeting.

On 30–31 May, Sweden will host a meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) within the framework of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The TTC serves as the main forum for the US and EU to coordinate approaches to key global trade, economic and technology issues. The meeting will be held in Luleå and is the fourth of its kind.

On Tuesday 23 May, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will take part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting with defence ministers in Brussels.

The importance of maintaining active competition enforcement with regard to markets and companies in times of crisis was a recurring message during the European Competition Day conference.

Opening speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum on 13 May in Stockholm. Check against delivery.

We are four months into the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and good progress has been made in achieving the energy transition and enhancing long-term growth and productivity in the EU. In parallel, negotiations on EU legislation are ongoing – several agreements have been made, including with regard to the European Chips Act and the Renewable Energy Directive.

Speech by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the opening of the Single Market Forum Conference (SIMFO) on 2 May in Stockholm. Check against delivery.

On 3–4 May, the EU social affairs and labour market ministers will gather in Stockholm for an informal meeting hosted by Minister for Employment and Integration Johan Pehrson and Minister for Older People and Social Security Anna Tenje. Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg will also take part.

Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari hosted an informal meeting of EU environment ministers in Stockholm on 18–19 April, which was also attended by business leaders from across the EU. The focus of the meeting was the green transition and the role of business in promoting biodiversity, circularity and competitiveness.

On 18–19 April, Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari will chair the informal meeting of EU environment ministers at Arlanda. Business leaders will also attend to discuss how decision-makers and businesses can contribute to a green transition in the EU and globally.

Opening remarks by Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell at the European Humanitarian Forum on 20 March 2023 in Brussels. Check against delivery.

Closing remarks by Swedish State Secretary for International Development Cooperation Diana Janse at the European Humanitarian Forum on 21 March 2023 in Brussels. Check against delivery.

Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at the European Humanitarian Forum on 20 March in Brussels. Check against delivery.

Sweden has long played a leading role in the work on international marine environments. On 4 March 2023, the countries of the world agreed on the High Seas Treaty, aimed at protecting the world’s oceans. The Treaty establishes global rules to limit environmental impacts and create protected marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up 95 per cent of the volume of the world’s oceans. The Treaty now makes it possible to achieve the goal of protecting 30 per cent of the earth’s surface.

The fourth EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting will be held in Luleå on 30-31 May as part of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Support for Ukraine and continued pressure on Russia, climate and energy issues, and putting long-term EU competitiveness on the agenda have defined the first half of the Swedish Presidency. The Presidency has led the work in the Council towards the goal of making the EU safer, greener and freer.

On Friday 31 March, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will receive Romania's Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă. The visit will take place as part of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU and will focus on European security and our strong and united support for Ukraine. But also the situation in Moldova, as well as the migration and Schengen issue. A joint press conference will be held after the meeting.

On Friday 31 March, Minister for EU Affairs Jessika Roswall will hold a press briefing on the occasion of the halfway point of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

On Thursday 30 March, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will receive Austria’s Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The visit will take place as part of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU and will focus on migration issues and continued support to Ukraine. A joint press conference will be held after the meeting.