The Conference of Presidents (Roberta METSOLA, EP President and leaders of political groups) meet in Stockholm to prepare the Swedish Council Presidency, starting from 1 January 2023. Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ulf KRISTERSSON, Swedish Prime Minister hold a joint press conference.

press conference

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

Sweden

Stockholm

Swedish Presidency of the EU (T)

Joint Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Ulf KRISTERSSON, Swedish Prime Minister on the the incoming Swedish Presidency of the Council

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulf KRISTERSSON, Prime Minister of Sweden, Good morning. I'm very pleased to welcome President Metsola here and a delegation from the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament to Stockholm. Obviously, due to the reason of the Swedish upcoming presidency of the European Council.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulf KRISTERSSON, Prime Minister of Sweden, This visit marks the important relation between the presidency of the Council and the European Parliament. And there's also a tradition to have these kind of roundabound. Today we will discuss the broader political issues and challenges for the upcoming six months and beyond. It has been a fruitful, open, frank discussions. Me and my government are grateful for important input from the European Parliament ahead of our presidency of the Council.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulf KRISTERSSON, Prime Minister of Sweden, There is no doubt that the consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine will remain a very key issue during our presidency. It's hard to say, honestly. We both agree on the importance of supporting Ukraine and maintaining the important unity of the EU. That's a strength really, to stick too.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulf KRISTERSSON, Prime Minister of Sweden, Other key issues during the Swedish presidency will be handling the energy crisis for obvious reason, accelerating the green transition and strengthening the competitiveness of the EU in times of economic stagnation. Crisis management is needed but is not sufficient. We have long term obligations as well. These are broad political challenges where a close cooperation between the Parliament and the Council of the EU is of utmost importance.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulf KRISTERSSON, Prime Minister of Sweden, Today, I have also underlined the great importance of standing up for our fundamental principles of Europe protecting the rule of law. This has always been and will always be a great of importance for Sweden. We also expect a lot of legislative work and a large number of proposals to be subject to find in negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulf KRISTERSSON, Prime Minister of Sweden, And during these six months, both institutions have a responsibility in moving forward these negotiations in order to reach agreements. As presidency, we will strive to advance these negotiations as far as is possible. Finally, it has also been very inspiring to hold a meeting here at Stockholm. A bit chilly, I admit, right now, but we will soon be warm again.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulf KRISTERSSON, Prime Minister of Sweden, This is a great example on how the green transition looks like in practice and how important innovation is for competitiveness, but also for energy security and for society at large. Again, I would like to underline the importance of close cooperation ahead of the Swedish presidency, especially in the current situation. The unity of the EU is more important than perhaps ever before. Thank you so much. I leave the floor to president Metsola.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Thank you, Prime Minister. Ulf Kristersson. Thnk you for the invitation and this opportunity for myself and the leaders of all the political groups in the European Parliament to visit you in beautiful and already wintery Stockholm.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I know that you are only six weeks into your mandate and that there is just a months to go before you take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. However, based on what we have seen and heard this morning, a I am much reassured. We look forward very much to working closely with the Swedish government and today's meetings and our discussions with you and your ministers will allow us to hit the ground running on the 1st of January.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, As you said, we are facing tough challenges in Europe and the next months will be decisive, especially when it comes to energy and climate. Let me hear congratulate you on the very smart and symbolic choice of location for our meeting this morning. In the field of energy, your country is a frontrunner for the green transition and in fighting climate change. And this will be essential when it comes to us needing to wrap up our negotiations as co-legislators on the climate files.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, All the climate files, a so-called 5455 package, a lot of discussion also centred around the ongoing work on the still open files on the migration pact. We also look forward to the Swedish Presidency taking on from what has been a successful Czech presidency in responding to the questions that our citizens pose to us in every member State on migration and also moving on as we face headwinds on the economy.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I believe that the return to growth can be the major achievement of your presidency in order to boost the economy, you stand for an open, modern and competitive European Union. Just like the European Parliament does. Having said this, the biggest threat to Europe and our democracies is still and will continue to be Russia's illegal invasion and relentless bombardment of Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Sweden has been a great friend to Ukraine and you have always been true promoters of human rights and democratic values. I therefore also welcome Sweden's decision to join NATO, which is another of Putin's now numerous grave miscalculations. The first being underestimating the strength of Ukraine. The second being Europe's firm and united response.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Let me finally, before taking questions, which you may have also take this opportunity to make a stronger appeal to all Swedish cities and towns across the country to join our Generators of Hope campaign. We are currently in full swing, collecting power generators and transformers requested from us by the Ukrainians. About over a million of Ukrainians are today without electricity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, So we are collecting this appeal and I will extend that also to mayors in Sweden in order to help the Ukrainians get through the harsh winter ahead. This is for water supplies. This is for schools. This is for hospitals. These are essential services that people need. So I would really want to launch this appeal and count on Sweden's also local politicians to join. So that's it from my end. I'm looking forward to questions.