Taking on the challenge – launch of the Swedish EU Presidency

Today, Sweden takes over the Presidency of the European Union for the second half of 2009. Among the key challenges foreseen will be to reach a new and more ambitious global climate regime.

The Swedish Presidency’s vision is a strong and effective Europe, where focus is on the common responsibility to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, including preparedness to manage crises. The most important challenges are the economy, employment and climate change.

- “Presiding over the EU is a great responsibility and opportunity. EU is an ambitious global actor. Africa is at the centre stage of EU and Swedish foreign action, and Nigeria is a regional power and key African partner to the EU. We look forward to cooperate closely with Nigeria, not least to reach a new global climate agreement at the Copenhagen conference in December”, says the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Mr. Per Lindgarde.

The Swedish Presidency agenda for Africa aims to address various cross-cutting and specific issues, namely: adaptation to climate change; crisis management and peacekeeping; good governance and human rights; poverty alleviation, cushioning of the effects of the financial and economical downturn; regional and continental integration; and conclusion of comprehensive economic partnership agreements.

- “We are enthused to contribute to fostering the relations between EU and Nigeria and it is very gratifying to build on the recent agreement to intensify the political dialogue between the us. Partnering with Nigeria will contribute to help the EU in achieving its foreign relations targets set for Africa. We need Nigeria in this endeavour”, says Ambassador Lindgarde.

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The Presidency of the European Union (Council) rotates between its Member States. Sweden will hold it in the second half of 2009. The Prime Minister of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Fredrik Reinfeldt, leads the work of the Council of the European Union, whereas the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Carl Bildt, co-ordinates the external relations dimension. In Nigeria, the Presidency is represented by H.E. Mr. Per Lindgarde, Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria.

If the Lisbon Treaty on the EU is adopted and enters into force during the Swedish Presidency, this would imply alterations to the workings of the EU’s external relations dimension.

For more information about:
 the Swedish EU Presidency: www.se2009.eu
 Sweden: www.sweden.se
 Sweden in Nigeria: www.swedenabroad.com/abuja

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