Global Conversation: What are Sweden's plans when it takes the EU’s presidency in January?

From January 2023, Sweden will take the presidency of the European Union. The last time that happened was in 2009, and a lot has changed in the European Union dynamics and in the world since then. 

Euronews spoke to the Minister of European Affairs of Sweden Jessica Roswall to discuss the proposals for the next six months.

Many problems have hit the European Union in recent years, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine created a complex web of problems. What will be your approach during the presidency, some concrete measures and actions that you might take regarding this?

Will the European Union be able to have the resources for that military (support) and for financial assistance in the reconstruction, as soon is possible?

“I think we have to (because) the Ukrainians are not only fighting for their freedom, they're also fighting for our freedom.”

Security and unity. You mentioned that these are important topics for the Swedish presidency and the prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has mentioned them several times. When do you foresee that Sweden, as well as Finland, will join NATO, especially considering Turkey's obstacles to that?

“I don't have an answer to that, but as soon as possible is our hope. Of course, we are doing this in close cooperation with Finland because this is a security issue for both of us. But I think that also the war in Ukraine has symbolised, or showed, that the security for Europe depends on staying together and we have to keep the unity in Europe.”

_The EU is now sanctioning Russia. It has another package underway. How far should you go with this strategy, considering the EU's own interests and goals in terms of supporting Ukraine?_

“Well, when it comes to Russia, I think the EU has shown really good unity