EU Presidency: Small Sweden takes on its biggest challenge

Today, 1 July 2009, the Swedish Presidency of the EU is launched. The Jakarta Post inteviewed Chargé d'Affaires Anders Backman about what it means for Sweden to be the holder of the EU Presidency.

Indonesian Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono once told this newspaper that Scandinavian countries were in a better position to lead world bodies like the United Nations, because they were small, rich, independent and good at diplomacy.

Today, Sweden, the small but rich Scandinavian nation with a penchant for quiet diplomacy, assumes the European Union presidency from the Czech Republic. It will hold the presidency until Dec. 31, 2009.

As holder of the EU presidency, Sweden will lead the Council of European Union and act as the driving force behind the EU’s legislative and political work. It also means Swedish Cabinet members and diplomats have to chair 3,000 meetings in Stockholm, Brussels and other cities in the next six months.

Read the entire article on The Jakarta Post's website

More News

Nov 10 2009 Foreign ministers meeting between the EU and Indonesia
On Monday 9 November, a meeting of foreign ministers took place in Jakarta between the EU and Indonesia. The meeting was hosted by Indonesia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Marty Natalegawa. The EU Troika delegation was headed by Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Nov 9 2009 Carl Bildt to head EU troika visit to Indonesia
On 9 November Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will head an EU troika visit to Indonesia. The meeting will be hosted by Indonesia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Marty Natelegawa. The agenda includes the signing of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Indonesia.
Nov 6 2009 Sweden’s new ambassador to Indonesia presents her credentials to President Yudhoyono
Today, Monday 6th of November 2009, Ambassador Mrs Ewa Polano to Indonesia met with His Excellency President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Ambassador Polano presented her credentials by which His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, has appointed her to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden, to the Republic of Indonesia. After presenting the credentials Ambassador Polano can fully represent Sweden and the EU Presidency in Indonesia.
Nov 5 2009 Europe on Screen
European film festival "Europe on Screen" will be held in Jakarta 6-13 November and 30 October-29 November in eight cities outside Jakarta (Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Banda Aceh, Medan and Makassar). The festival includes 42 films never before seen in Indonesia from 21 different European countries.
Oct 6 2009 Swedish Aid in response to the Earthquake in Sumatra
In response to the tragic Earthquake in Sumatra on the 30th September Sweden has contributed to the rescue operation and reconstruction work with both financial and material donations.
Oct 5 2009 Information about the Earthquake in Sumatra
Swedish citizens looking for information about the Earthquake in Sumatra, please visit the Swedish version of the webpage by clicking "Svenska" in the top right corner.
Oct 2 2009 H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden conveys condolences over Earthquake in Sumatra
His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden expressed his deep sadness over the tragedy and loss of lives caused by the devastating earthquake that struck Sumatra on 30 September 2009.
Oct 2 2009 The EU Heads of Mission, on behalf of the European Union, convey condolences regarding the earthquakes in Sumatra
The EU Heads of Mission, on behalf of the European Union, offered today their sincere condolences regarding the terrible tragedy and loss of life caused by the devastating earthquakes on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. In a letter to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, the EU Heads of Mission conveyed their deepest sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved families and to all those who have lost their lives in the earthquake.
Oct 1 2009 Presidency Statement on recent Asia-Pacific natural disasters
The Presidency of the European Union expresses its deep concern over the impact of natural disasters in Southeast Asia and the Pacific in recent days.
Sep 28 2009 European Union Meets Indonesian Government on Climate Change
A meeting was held with the Indonesian Government on Friday 25th September as part of the European Union's global efforts to mobilise political support to achieve an ambitious agreement at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December.
Sep 23 2009 Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt one of the speakers at New York climate summit
In his capacity as Swedish Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt on 22 September 2009 held an address at the UN climate summit in New York, together with the President of the USA Barack Obama and the Chinese President Hu Jintao, among others.
Aug 21 2009 New Swedish Ambassador in Jakarta
On Wednesday 19 August 2009 the Government of Sweden appointed Ewa Polano as Ambassador in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Jul 27 2009 Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the results of the presidential elections in Indonesia
The European Union wishes to congratulate President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono upon his successful re-election on 8 July 2009 which was officially confirmed today by the Indonesian General Election Commission (KPU). In peaceful elections the people of Indonesia have testified to their commitment to democracy and have entrusted President Yudhoyono with a strong second mandate, expressing confidence in his policies and the further pursuit of reforms.
Jul 17 2009 The European Union Condemns Today's Attacks in Jakarta
The Presidency of the European Union condemns today's bomb attacks in Jakarta that have killed and injured so many innocent people.
Jun 16 2009 Sweden takes on the challenge - Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on Sweden's priorities for the EU Presidency
“Managing the financial crisis and unemployment and addressing climate change – these will be the two main priorities of the Swedish Presidency.” So said Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on 9 June 2009 at a seminar at CEPS, the Centre for European Policy Studies, in Brussels, where he spoke about the Swedish Presidency.

Back

Print version