Policy Research Media Morhamburn

The Swedish Ambassador took a trip north this week, to an uncharacteristically dry Scotland, to discuss how his country is getting on with holding the EU Presidency at this mid-way stage. This second (and probable) final stint holding the EU Presidency for Sweden comes at a key EU juncture in many senses.

As unveiled pre-July the economy and climate change remain the eminent priorities though Lisbon also lurks in the not too distant backdrop. Whilst the hurdles faced by the current holder are undoubtedly significant, the air was one of understated enthusiasm and calmness, essentially utilitarian in all aspects. The Swedes are relishing the challenges the Presidency has thrust upon them, this is palpable.

Discussion covered the favourite Scottish subjects of fishing (Ted Brockelbank MSP) and agriculture (Jim Hume MSP) in addition to the two big presidency priorities as well as raising Afghanistan, Palestine (Michael Matheson MSP), future EU enlargement (Irene Oldfather MSP) and Sweden’s very own Pirate Party (Patrick Harvie MSP). Though of course no EU-related discourse these days is complete without a thought to the mischievous Irish. Whilst all respect was paid by the embodiment of the Swedish Presidency of the EU to Ireland’s sterling democratic tradition, I wonder if the same high regard would be evident in the Charlemagne corridors post-October should the Irish voters continue to play havoc with the bureaucrats’ vision; though the smart money is on the fact that the Commission need not spend too much time worrying over such an outcome.

But back to the presidency priorities, the ambassador, Mr Staffan Carlsson, is the archetypal Swede – tall, relaxed and slightly understated. If any EU country were to hold the presidency at a pivotal moment when the future of the union itself has a smudged question mark overhanging, coupled with the daunting economic situation and real challenges of climate change, well, if any nation are to remain unruffled the Swedes are a safe bet.