Sweden took the European Union Presidency over from the Czech Republic. Facing the economic crisis, saving jobs and fighting against global warming - the challenges awaiting the Swedes are important.

Sweden leads Europe

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Sweden takes over from the Czech   Republic for the EU Presidency.

Every 6 months, a new Member State   chairs the European Council.

The European Council is made up of   the 27 heads of State and government.

It sets the main priorities   and makes the EU's political decisions.

It's Sweden's turn to chair for 6 months.

The task will be hard but that country's   ready to be behind the wheel of Europe.

Tackling the crisis, saving jobs   and fighting against global warming:

the challenges awaiting Sweden   are important ones.

Europe wishes to lead the way   in fighting against global warming,

for which it must   quickly adopt new measures.

It will have to agree   with the rest of the world

at the Copenhagen Conference   in December 2009.

The Swedish Presidency   won't have a cloudless sky.

It's difficult for the EU   to get out of the economic crisis.

Sweden's mission is to guide the EU   out of that crisis,

exhort Member States to better control   their financial markets

and suggest common actions to them   in order to save jobs.

The Swedish Presidency's challenges   are all the bigger as time flies.

In order to really get to work, Sweden   must wait for the institutions renewal.

The new European Parliament standing   for citizens must start working.

The European Commission acting   as EU government will be replaced.

Concretely, Sweden will only have   4 months out of 6 to lead the EU.