The EU as a global actor

The European Union has a special position in Swedish foreign and security policy.

The Lisbon Treaty means much better chances for the European Union to function as an ever stronger global actor, including in peace and security policy.

The fact that this treaty enjoys broad support in Sweden's Riksdag is clearly a strength. It is our joint hope that it will be ratified by all EU Member States so that it can enter into force at the beginning of next year.

Sweden will play an active role in creating the new instruments for which the treaty now paves the way.

We have initiated a broad discussion about the further development of Europe's common security strategy. It will also be important in 2009 to ensure that mechanisms such as the European External Action Service are developed into effective instruments for the promotion of our common interests.

A more secure and peaceful Europe means improved chances for peace and security for Sweden as well. The link between our security policy and our policy on Europe is as clear as it is important.

A broad national consensus must continue to provide the framework for the development of our security policy. Sweden is not part of any military alliance.

There is broad agreement that the future security of our country is founded on community and cooperation with other countries. There is also a broad consensus that Sweden will not remain passive should another EU Member State or Nordic country be struck by disaster or attack. By the same token, we expect these countries to do the same if a similar crisis were to befall Sweden.

The new European Union treaty obliges the Member States to abide by the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility when safeguarding Europe's security. The European Union's capacity for peace and security operations in various parts of the world is gradually being strengthened. Our country is contributing, according to its circumstances, to the European Union's security, based on the principle of solidarity; we will continue to play a proactive role in the development of the common European Security and Defence Policy.

During the first half of this year, Sweden is lead nation for the Nordic Battle Group, which is one of two rapid reaction forces at the EU's disposal.

Plans are underway for Sweden to also be able to contribute to an equivalent European Union rapid reaction force in 2011. In addition, we are examining - in close cooperation with Finland - the possibility of participating in the NATO Response Force. This would mean further deepening our already extensive cooperation with NATO.

International developments demonstrate the increasing demand for various kinds of peace operations within the framework of the United Nations, the European Union and NATO. It remains the Government's ambition to double Sweden's capacity for international peace operations. Between 2006 and 2009 the appropriation for peace-support operations is being raised from SEK 1.5 billion to almost SEK 3 billion.

The Government will soon be presenting a national strategy for Sweden's commitment to peace and security promotion. The aim is to bring foreign policy, aid policy and defence policy closer together so as to improve coordination between them.

To become an increasingly important global actor, the European Union must strengthen its relations with the rest of the world.

It is also in light of this that we attach great importance to relations with the United States. There is close political dialogue between our countries, even on issues where we may have differing viewpoints. Our economic and personal ties are strong. Our new embassy in Washington - House of Sweden - has quickly become an important asset in the promotion of Sweden.

We attach great importance to relations with India and China. The development of ASEAN is creating new opportunities for cooperation. The summit in December 2007 between the European Union and the African Union revealed new perspectives. The summit meeting this spring with Latin America will be an important step in the development of our relations.