Development assistance stays at 1 per cent of GNI
In this year's budget bill, the Government proposes a budget for development assistance of 1 per cent of GNI in 2010. The development assistance budget has been set at 1 per cent every year during this electoral period. This means that the Government has budgeted a total of SEK 127 billion for development assistance in 2007-2010.
How Do We Manage Climate Change?
On 9 September, Malta's EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) and the Swedish Embassy in Malta organized a well-attended symposium in Valletta on "How Do We Manage Climate Change?". Swedish Ambassador Ulla Gudmundson welcomed the 130 participants and presented the climate change goals of the Swedish EU Presidency.
King Carl XVI Gustaf to open the Riksdag session today
A working year at the Riksdag is called a Riksdag session. The Riksdag session for 2009-2010 will open today. The opening ceremony in the Chamber will begin at 14.00 and only invited guests may attend. At the request of the Speaker, King Carl XVI Gustaf will declare the Riksdag session open. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will then deliver the Statement of Government Policy.
Afghanistan important issue at foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) is meeting in Brussels on 14-15 September. Preparations ahead of the upcoming EU summit on 29-30 October, the situation in Afghanistan following the elections, the EU´s approach towards Iran and the EU´s relations with the Southern Caucasus are important issues on the agenda. Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will chair the Council meetings.
Incoming EU Troika visit to Zimbabwe
On September 12-13 a high level troika visit from the European Union will visit Zimbabwe. The delegation will be led by the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Ms Gunilla Carlsson, joined by the EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian assistance Mr Karel De Gucht and a representative of the Council Secretariat.
Carl Bildt met the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Carl Bildt met OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek on Tuesday 8 September. The meeting was an opportunity to exchange information between the High Commissioner and the EU, and to discuss current issues in the area. Work on minority issues is an important part of preventing conflicts between states and the High Commissioner's work is a part of the OSCE's activities that enjoys particular Swedish support.
Meeting of foreign ministers opens on Friday
At the end of this week, on 4-5 September, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will host the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, to be held at the Modern Museum and the Museum of Architecture in Stockholm.
Sweden's policy towards other countries
In broad terms, foreign policy is about Sweden's policy towards other countries. The prevention of risks and threats is an important part of security policy, which in turn is part of foreign policy. Sweden's policy is pursued via direct relations with other countries and also through bodies such as the EU and the UN.
European Development Days (EDD)
European Development Days (EDD) is an annual event jointly organised by the European Commission and the country holding the Presidency of the EU. Sweden will be hosting this year's EDD on 22-24 October at the Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö. With several thousand delegates, it will be the largest meeting under the Swedish Presidency.
She will serve as Sweden's new Ambassador in Jakarta
The Government decided today to appoint Ewa Polano as Sweden's Ambassador in Indonesia. Ms Polano's previous posts include that of Ambassador in Mexico. She will now move to Jakarta after three years at home in Stockholm.
