Kosovo discussions at the EU Council meeting in Brussels
On Monday 18 February Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström attended the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels. The agenda included the Western Balkans, including Kosovo, Middle East and the EU European Neighbourhood Policy.
The President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso visits Stockholm
On Thursday, 14 February, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, will meet Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. The agenda for their discussions includes preparations for the Swedish EU Presidency 2009 and climate and energy issues. A press briefing will be held at 12.15.
Climate and development assistance go hand in hand
The Commission on Climate Change and Development is holding its first meeting at Haga Palace on 14-15 February. Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson leads the work of the Commission.
Additional information needed for gas pipeline in Baltic Sea
Key information is missing from Nord Stream's applications for permission to build a gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea. There is a significant amount of additional information required for the Government to be able to examine the applications. The applications must be supplemented with an environmental impact assessment of the entire stretch of the pipelines through the Baltic Sea, the results of the investigations conducted and information on alternative routes for the entire stretch of the pipelines.
Foreign Affairs' ministers on the Statement of Foreign Policy
On Wednesday, 13 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will present the Government's Statement of Foreign Policy. Following the debate on foreign policy in the Riksdag, a press conference will be held with Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
EU support for Swedish line on ethanol
Today the EU approved Sweden's application for permission to continue to import ethanol for processing into biofuel. This means the feared tariff increase of over 30 per cent that would have followed from a negative decision, and would have affected the 89 000 car owners who drive ethanol cars, will not materialise.
Swedish State accepts offer for OMX
The Government today assigned Mats Odell, Minister for Local Government and Financial Markets, to accept the offer from Borse Dubai on behalf of the Swedish State.
High Commissioner Louise Arbour's Stockholm visit
On Tuesday, Nyamko Sabuni met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour. Their talks focussed mainly on the Swedish National Action Plan for Human Rights and its ongoing implementation. During her Stockholm visit, Ms Arbour also met with Carl Bildt and Minister for International Development Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson.
Norway and Sweden withdraw offer to UN on forces to Darfur
The Norwegian-Swedish offer to provide a joint engineering unit to the UN and African Union's joint peace operation in Darfur (UNAMID) has been withdrawn. The reason for this is Sudan's opposition to the force.
Meetings of the Council of Ministers in Sweden during the Swedish Presidency of the EU in autumn 2009
The majority of the thousands of meetings that will be held during the Swedish Presidency will take place in Brussels and Luxembourg, but a small number will be held in the country holding the Presidency.
