Prime Minister discussed summit with Committee on European Union Affairs
On Wednesday 7 December, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt held a consultation with the Riksdag's Committee on European Union Affairs ahead of the European Council summit on 8-9 December.
"The summit will focus more than ever before on the economic crisis," said Mr Reinfeldt in his opening speech.
Mr Reinfeldt said that he believes the coming summit is the most important he will ever attend. Photo: Martina Huber/Government Offices.
Solving the crisis without amending the treaty
In line with one of Herman Van Rompuy's proposals, Sweden has argued for the crisis to be solved in the best way possible without amending the treaty.
"Sweden is in a stronger economic position than many other countries, but we are dependent on other countries working their way out of the crisis. Europe must strengthen its competitiveness to be able to assert its position on the global market. In the short term we need fast measures, but in the longer term we will also need initiatives to create growth," said Mr Reinfeldt.
Strong economic firewall
The work of designing a financial regulatory framework to build a firewall around the eurozone will be intensive.
"Europe may need a very strong firewall made up of the temporary EFSF fund, the coming ESM fund and possibly also funds from the IMF. The need for leadership within both the EU and individual countries is great, and heads of state and government will be facing difficult decisions," said Mr Reinfeldt.
"The coming EU summit will be the most important I will ever attend. If there is any talk of treaty amendments, I will return to the Committee on European Union Affairs," he stated.
EU enlargement and energy issues
"We will also address issues concerning the EU energy market, where energy efficiency in particular is an important issue from Swedens point of view," said Mr Reinfeldt.
Otherwise, the summit will take a position on whether Serbia should be given candidate country status and when to begin accession negotiations with Montenegro. Moreover, the treaty of accession with Croatia will be signed so that Croatia can become a member of the EU on 1 July 2013.
