Minister Peter Burke speaks at briefing on Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU

Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke spoke at a briefing held yesterday (Wednesday) by European Movement Ireland on the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Commenting on the Swedish Presidency, Minister Peter Burke, said: “I am delighted that my first engagement in Iveagh House as Minister of State involved building on Ireland’s proud history of close collaboration with our European neighbours and strengthening our links with Sweden, as they embark on what will be an important period for our European institutions.

“I was also delighted to partner with European Movement Ireland on this event and I look forward to continued engagement with both Ambassador Magnus Rydén, and Noelle O Connell and her team over the coming months.”

Ambassador of Sweden to Ireland, H.E. Magnus Rydén, said:

“Sweden is assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at a time of challenges for the European Union and the Member States. The priorities of the Swedish Presidency are security, competitiveness, green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law."

“Building security for EU citizens, strengthening support to Ukraine and meeting the climate transition are crucial tasks. During the Swedish Presidency, we will also prioritise continued strong European leadership in the transition to a fossil-free economy and a clear agenda to boost competitiveness.”

Sweden has identified four priorities for work under its third presidency of the Council over the next six months which are security, competitiveness, green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law.

This is Sweden’s third term of Presidency, having held the Presidency previously in 2001 and 2009.

EM Ireland CEO Noelle O Connell also spoke at Wednesday’s briefing saying: “Sweden is taking over the presidency at a time when the European Union is facing unprecedented challenges. Sweden’s EU Presidency is an opportunity for us here in Ireland and indeed across the other member states to have an open dialogue on the role that the EU can play in tackling issues such as building security for EU citizens and strengthening support to Ukraine.

"Enhancing the EU’s competitiveness is another key focus of the Presidency, and this is particularly pertinent given the current cost of living crisis.”

The Swedish Presidency runs from January 1 to June 30 2023.