In recent years the EU presidencies have therefore agreed to establish framework programmes with an 18 month scope. So this was done last year by France, the Czech Republic and my country, Sweden. A major feature of the 18-month programme, reconfirmed also in the specific Swedish Presidency work programme, is the European Union as an international actor with a clear agenda for peace, development, democracy and human rights aiming for a continued enlargement of the EU.

Keeping the European Union membership perspective open for the countries of Western Balkans is therefore one of my major tasks as Sweden's Ambassador here in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

And we have other priorities: The EU plays a key role in solving cross-border environmental problems and taking global environment efforts forward. An ambitious European environmental policy is vital for global change. The EU must be a force that is active in favour of sustainable development in the world. The Swedish Presidency intends to strengthen EU environmental policy and show that an ambitious environmental policy is a precondition for long-term sustainable growth.

During this autumn, the ministers responsible for environment, energy and competitiveness from the EU countries will discuss how Europe can be developed into an eco-efficient economy. Committed and energetic environmental efforts give competitive advantages. Converting to an eco-efficient economy means an opportunity for the EU to lift itself out of the economic crisis and could contribute to a long-term development strategy for Europe. The environment ministers will also deal with the environment section of the follow-up of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. The role of cities in sustainable global development will be given special attention.

As a country aiming to become a member of the EU, Bosnia & Herzegovina has every interest in getting on the environment train. Ordinary people will benefit from a cleaner environment and there is a great potential to develop eco-tourism in this country.

The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) is planning its contribution to these goals, inter alia by assisting municipalities in this country regarding solid waste management in a three year project worth 20 million KM.

Like other presidencies, Sweden also wishes to get appropriate attention for its role and efforts in the European region at large and of course also in this country. There are many ways to achieve this. On a more regular schedule we are constantly engaged with numerous interlocutors of all parts of Bosnian society, not least in the framework of our quite extensive cooperation & assistance programmes.

But today we are happy to launch a slightly more Public Relations "event" which could also qualify as an advertisement on wheels.

It is this beautiful Sarajevo tram operated by GRAS  which we hope will contribute to the positive image of Sarajevo, a city which has suffered so much but which is under constant change and renovation for the benefit of all its inhabitants.

In comparison with the larger and much more serious efforts that the European Union and my country are undertaking to promote reform and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina at large, today's event is a small thing.

But it is nevertheless something that we hope you may all appreciate as a token of our continued commitment to Sarajevo and to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ambassador Bosse Hedberg