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Sweden's Presidency of the Council of the EU

In the first half of 2023, Sweden held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. For six months, Sweden led the work in the Council with the aim of making the EU more secure, freer and greener.

About Sweden’s EU Presidency 2023

  • Historic achievements under the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

    Jessika Roswall
    Minister for EU Affairs Jessika Roswall Photo: Josefine Stenersen/The Government Offices

    A greener, more secure and freer EU was the goal when Sweden took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January. As the Swedish Presidency comes to an end, it is time to sum up the major achievements – for Sweden and for the EU: Fit for 55, which is the world’s most ambitious climate package, a historic agreement on a new migration policy, and sustained and strengthened support for Ukraine.

Presidency of the Council

The Presidency of the Council rotates between EU Member States every six months. During a six-month period, the Presidency will drive forward the Council’s work on EU legislation, ensure continuity of the EU agenda and ensure that legislative processes are carried out in an orderly manner and that Member States cooperate.

The two main tasks of the Presidency are to plan and chair the meetings of the Council and its preparatory bodies and to represent the Council in its relations with other EU institutions.

Sweden held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2023.

The Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union is the institution representing the governments of the Member States. It is in the Council – or the Council of Ministers as it is informally known – that government ministers of the EU countries meet to pass laws and coordinate policies.

Content about Sweden's EU presidency

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