Foreign Policy Statement 2008

Each February, the Minister for Foreign Affairs presents the Government's Statement of Foreign Policy in the Riksdag. The presentation is followed by a debate in the Riksdag. The Statement of Foreign Policy indicates how the Government intends to deal with various situations around the world during the coming electoral period or the coming year.

The EU as a global actor

Sweden will take a proactive role in developing the European Union as a global actor, especially in peace and security policy. We want to work to ensure that the European Union is well-equipped through a broad and effective foreign policy to meet the global challenges facing Europe and the world. On this basis we also want to strengthen transatlantic cooperation.

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EU enlargement

Sweden will continue to be a clear voice for a Union open to European countries that want to and can meet the requirements made by membership. Ultimately this is about peace and freedom in our part of the world in our time.

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Global climate policy

Sweden will play a proactive role in environmental work at international level. We are working to strengthen EU policy ahead of the negotiations on a global climate policy after 2012.

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Peace-building and state-building

Sweden will be a force for strengthening and improving work in the United Nations, as well as for strengthening the ability of the international community as a whole to conduct peace-building and state-building operations in different parts of the world. Afghanistan, Sudan and Somalia show the breadth of the challenges that must be faced.

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Democracy and human rights

Sweden wants to strengthen work for democracy and human rights in all countries. Support for the building of democratic structures in developing countries will be strengthened. We remain committed to democracy and freedom in the eastern part of Europe.

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The Middle East

Sweden will be a clear voice for peace, freedom, international law and reconciliation, not least in the Middle East. We are working for a stronger European role in peace efforts. More specifically, we want to prepare the creation of an independent and functioning Palestinian state living in peace with Israel.

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The Western Balkans

Sweden continues to have a strong economic, political and human commitment to development in the Western Balkans. We want to support the European integration of the whole area. We are seeking a clear decision from the UN Security Council that will make it possible to obtain clarification about the future of Kosovo.

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Quality and effectiveness of development assistance

Swedish development cooperation will be characterised by quality and effectiveness. Poverty reduction in Africa and elsewhere must be seen in a broad perspective that includes support for democracy, human rights, a vigorous civil society, good governance, security and the building of market economy structures.

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Greater free trade and an improved single market

Sweden will continue to press for greater free trade and competition. The development of trade is an important driving force for good globalisation. We also want to develop our economic relations with the growing economies in Asia. At the same time, European Union members must pull down the remaining barriers to full implementation of the single market.

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Cooperation for peace and poverty reduction

Sweden's foreign, development, trade and security policies will work together so as to be better able to contribute both to poverty reduction and to sustainable peace and stability in countries with a history of war, conflict and underdevelopment.

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The Nordic and Baltic Sea region

Let me add to these ten points the importance we attach as a matter of course to the development of cooperation in the Nordic and Baltic Sea region.

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Ministry for Foreign Affairs (email to the Ministry)
Published 11 February 2008
Last updated 12 February 2008