Putting the Presidency puzzle together
Jessica Olausson is looking forward to the six months this autumn when Sweden will lead the EU. Although there are at least 280 meetings on the agenda, she is not particularly worried.
"The Czech Presidency serves as a good learning period for Sweden. It's like getting a bit of a head start," says Jessica.
Jessica Olausson and Susanne Norén. Foto: Karin Grahn Wetter/MFA
Third country meetings are meetings between the EU and countries or organisations outside the EU. It is Jessica Olausson and Susanne Norén at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs who have the job of putting together the agenda for such meetings during the Swedish Presidency of the EU. As third country meeting coordinators, they coordinate the background material and planning and try to make the meetings as fruitful and effective as possible.
Jessica Olausson returned to the Ministry from the Swedish Embassy in Pretoria to work with the Presidency. She has experience from Sweden's previous Presidency in 2001, when she worked at the European Security Policy Department.
"It was great fun. Lots of work, of course, but tremendously exciting."
Jessica sees the Presidency as an opportunity for Sweden to participate and exercise greater influence.
"During the Presidency, we're the ones setting the framework," she says.
As part of their job, Jessica and Susanne also have to make sure that preparations are about the same regardless of which country the meeting concerns. Routines need to be well established for them to work even when unforeseen events occur, such as crises or changes in delegates' arrangements.
"There are always changes and extra meetings. You could describe it as a never-ending jigsaw puzzle," laughs Jessica.
