2023 Swedish Council Presidency: Ukraine still tops the agenda

The Swedish government at the EESC January plenary stressed that crisis management measures will be the focus of its six months at the helm of the EU. Guaranteeing security for Europeans and upholding the rule of law and fundamental rights will be the main priorities of its presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 2023.

During a plenary debate on 25 January 2023, EESC president Christa Schweng pledged the Committee's full support for the presidency: "This is an incredibly challenging time to take over the presidency, as the EU is experiencing a harrowing war at its borders. The EESC welcomes these priorities in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, as we must not let our security or our values be affected. We stand by Ukraine."

Jessika Roswall, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs, said that the Swedish Presidency considered close cooperation with other EU institutions and bodies, including the EESC, as paramount and looked forward to staying in close contact and maintaining an open dialogue.

Mentioning the presidency's top priority, she stressed that "Sweden is taking up the presidency at a time of historic challenges for the Union. Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine will continue to dominate the European agenda."

The Swedish Presidency will work to uphold European unity and make the Union greener, safer and freer, focusing on:

• Security
• Competitiveness
• The green and energy transitions
• Democratic values and the rule of law. (mp)