07 July 2009

Transfer of the EU presidency from the Czech Republic to Sweden

On 07 July a press conference focused on the transfer of the EU presidency from the Czech Republic to Sweden took place at the EU InfoCentre.

Swedish Ambassador Lars FRÉDEN elaborated the priorities in the next six months during the Swedish presidency.

 The coming six months will be characterised by both change and renewal. The newly elected European Parliament will begin its work and a new Commission will be appointed. The conditions for cooperation will change if the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force. The biggest and most important challenges are the economy, employment and climate”, explained Ambassador Fréden.

He pointed out that the continued enlargement process is of strategic importance to ensure place and progress in an open and united Europe.
 
Referring to the enlargement process, EUSR and Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Skopje, Ambassador Erwan FOUÉRÉ stressed that the visa liberalization is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when there is political will to meet the criteria. He said that the efforts for meeting the EU benchmarks should be redoubled prior to the European Commission Progress Report in autumn.

Further details about Swedish presidency priorities on following site:
http://www.se2009.eu/en/the_presidency/work_programme