Sweden will assume the presidency of the European Union for six months on Sunday. Things will go differently than expected now that a government with a strong right-wing populist edge has taken office in Stockholm. According to EU diplomats, it is not possible to revive the stalled European asylum policy, which is very important for the Netherlands.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s ministers hold the presidency in European councils of line ministers until the summer. They can leave a mark on the agenda. They also mediate between member states and lead negotiations with the European Parliament.
Moderate right-wing ministers, like their left-wing predecessors, are generally very pro-EU. But they will have to listen to the radical right partner who keeps them in the saddle. The Sweden Democrats may not provide government ministers they tolerate, but they have a lot of influence on the course. Also underway in Brussels.
Headache
This does not affect the main headache of Sweden and the whole EU for now and for the next period. The right-wing ruling parties and their radical right outboards stand together for Ukraine and a strong crackdown on Russia. “The main task of the Swedish presidency will be to ensure European security,” Kristersson assures.
But other European plans are soon going too fast for the Sweden Democrats, who even saw something in a “swexit” a few years ago. This certainly applies to the transition to a climate-friendly and sustainable economy. Brussels may also forget about a breakthrough in European asylum policy that has been stalled for years over the next six months, EU diplomats estimate. Even if, at the insistence of Prime Minister Rutte, a real summit will be organized for this next month.
“Negative Influence”
The leader of the Social Democrats in the European Parliament has already expressed her concern about the “negative influence” of the “far-right Swedish Democrats”, which would make progress difficult. The tolerance partner would find it difficult to digest if Stockholm wants to welcome southern EU countries, who want northwestern Europe in particular to welcome more asylum seekers from them. These Member States therefore continue to turn a blind eye to asylum seekers, who often prefer to go to the Netherlands or Sweden, for example, to continue their journey in these countries.
Source: BNR
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