Zweden uitdagend voorzitterschap EU

Sweden is getting set to take over the Presidency of the EU. With an economic downturn in Europe, negotiations on a climate change agreement approaching and big changes in the EU institutions, it will be an intensive six months in the driving seat. From 1 July until the end of the year, Sweden will lead the EU's work.

“We are going to face significant challenges, and undoubtedly some difficulties. High demands will be placed on Sweden’s ability to coordinate the work and lead the Union during these important six months,” says Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.

We have already seen the launch of the website se2009.eu, the Presidency’s home on the internet. Here it will be possible to follow the Presidency’s work and all the 3000 or so meetings that will be held in Sweden, Brussels and elsewhere.

Transparency and accessibility are the watchwords for the site. It should be easy to find news and background information about those issues that will be in focus during the autumn. And it should be clear, for example, how journalists can get in touch with the key players in the Presidency.

The website se2009.eu also includes functions such as web TV broadcasts, ‘twittering’ from within the Presidency and news via text message. The site is different from previous Presidency websites, in that it has a European domain name, .eu. The idea is that the focus is not on the country holding the Presidency, but rather on the wider European cooperation.

The website is under continual development and soon more functions will be added, as well as more information about those issues that the Swedish Presidency will be prioritising.  As well as representing the EU during the UN climate change negotiations in December, and continuing to work to alleviate the recession, a range of other important questions are also on Sweden’s agenda. You can already read about some of the topics that each Council will be working with during the autumn.

“It's going to be a very exciting six months, but the task before us is not an easy one. I'm looking forward to tackling the autumn's challenges together,” says Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.

Until 1 July, the Czech Republic holds the Presidency of the EU. Find out more at eu2009.cz