Stockholm should pick up where Prague ended its six-month EU presidency. In the foreground will be the Russian war against Ukraine, the consequences for security and energy supply, the strengthening of military capabilities and more independence of Europe when it comes to the supply of raw materials and various products.
Sweden is led by a new minority government consisting of Moderates, Christian Democrats and Liberals, who in turn are directed to support the radical right-wing Democrats.
That Government is planning about 1.500 sessions of various EU bodies during six months. Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson said in December that the agenda is dictated by the war.
"On the one hand, we know exactly what we need to do: to preserve European unity while supporting Ukraine, to find means for reconstruction, to implement international law and to prepare the way for Ukraine's candidate for the EU," he said.
"On the other hand, we have no idea what awaits us. What will happen a year after the invasion? In the spring? In the summer? Sweden will be ready to act quickly and decisively," Kristerson added.
Right-wing people block some topics
Only in the background are topics such as climate protection, migrant policy, and EU expansion to the Balkan countries. Prime Minister Kristerson, who has only been in office since October, with these topics will encounter cross-eyed views from the Democrats, whose votes are needed by the minority government.
The head of that extreme party, Jimmy Akesson, who won 20 percent of the vote in the elections, denies climate change, opposes the admission of migrants and, in general, sees the European Union as the source of his evil. This makes the Swedish Democrats a natural partner for the nationalist authorities in Hungary and Italy.
Thus, Prime Minister Kristerson announced that Sweden will stand up for the rule of law in all EU members, and "moderately" lead proceedings against Hungary and others for violating EU principles. The Swedish Democrats, on the other hand, strictly reject any punitive measures, such as non-payment of subsidies from the European jar to Hungary.
"It is naive and dangerous that Kristerson still claims that his government will be able to preserve the rule of law while relying on the Sweden Democrats," said Jakop Dalunde, MEP of the Swedish Greens, who are in opposition in Stockholm.
Electric cars
The Swedish Government wants to achieve progress, at least when it comes to economic issues. Kristerson specifically announced that it is necessary to support the automotive industry in the transition to electric drive. Dependence on suppliers from Asia should be reduced.
The prime minister also opposes the heavy subsidies that the US gives only to domestic products, thus threatening the competitiveness of European companies.
"During the presidency, Sweden wants to encourage work on the European ecosystem of semiconductor production. It sounds very technical, and it is technical. But it is absolutely necessary if we want to fully electrify our vehicle fleet," said Kristerson in the Swedish parliament, the Reichstag.
Dangerous streets
Admittedly, it is difficult for the Government in Stockholm to radiate European optimism while it is beset by problems at home. In his Christmas speech, Ulf Kristerson pointed out first of all the crime rate. "Abroad, Sweden is perceived as a peaceful and harmonious country," he said.
But, as he added, that image is often deceiving. By mid-December last year, 378 shootings were counted with 60 deaths. In the Scandinavian neighborhood, the numbers are significantly lower: In Denmark, four people died in shootings, in Finland, only two.
In Sedertelj - a small town near Stockholm with 70.000 people - as many people were killed last year as in the whole of London, the prime minister said. He added that it is mainly about conflicts between young men with a migrant background, all within the framework of organized crime.
This is precisely the important reason why the right-wing Democrats won as much as a fifth of the votes in the elections.
Erdogan's blackmail
Along with the work on street safety, Sweden is waiting for work on the safety of the country. Turkey is still blocking the admission of Sweden and Finland to the NATO military alliance, allegedly because those countries protect "Kurdish terrorists".
Sweden has already agreed to the concessions, that is, to the faster extradition of the suspects that Turkey is looking for. But that is not enough for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as he said in December.
However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expects Sweden to join NATO this year. But he did not dare to predict when exactly.
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