Jessica Roswall: “The war in Ukraine has shown that the security of Europe depends on its unity”
From January, Sweden will preside over the European Union. The last time this happened was in 2009, and since then a lot has changed in the dynamics of the European Union and the world. Jessica Roswall, Sweden’s minister for European affairs, is on hand to discuss proposals for the next six months.
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“Many problems have come to the European Union in recent years, but Russia’s intervention in Ukraine this time has created a complex network of problems. What will be your approach during the presidency, what concrete measures and steps do you intend to take in this regard? ??
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“The priority for the Swedish presidency will be to preserve unity and continue to support Ukraine with all measures. Concretely speaking, this means economic, military, humanitarian and also political assistance. We also need to fight this difficult period. , of course, the application against Russia continue the sanctions and other measures”.
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“Do you think the European Union will have the resources to provide this military support and provide financial assistance to the reconstruction of Ukraine as soon as possible?”
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“I believe that it is our duty, because Ukrainians are fighting not only for their freedom, but also for our freedom.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“You mentioned security and unity, which are important topics for the Swedish presidency and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who touched on these topics several times. When do you think Sweden and Finland can join NATO, considering that Turkey may oppose it first of all?
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“I don’t have an answer to this question, but we hope that it will happen as soon as possible. Of course, we are closely cooperating with Finland, because this is a security issue for our two countries. But I also think. “The war in Ukraine depends on the security of Europe. symbolized and showed that and we must protect unity in Europe”.
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“Currently, the European Union applies sanctions against Russia and a package of other measures is being prepared. How long should this strategy continue, taking into account the European Union’s own interests and goals in terms of supporting Ukraine?
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“Regarding Russia, I think the European Union has shown very good unity in the implementation of all these sanctions packages, and today we are discussing the ninth package of measures. I think it is important to carry it out and go as far as necessary. We can use we must continue sanctions and other pressure measures. We also see high inflation, we have many parallel crises in the European Union and the world. But we must continue to support Ukraine and pressure Russia.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“What price are the citizens of the European Union willing to pay given the many economic problems they often lament through strikes and demonstrations?”
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“All our governments in all our Member States are working to help households and businesses cope with this winter and prepare for next winter. Of course, it will be very important for the Swedish Presidency to deal with all these issues. So I think we have to do a number of things. we need to see, including regarding national provisions. This should be done not only at the European level, but also at the national level.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“All these arguments are about price caps, general energy supply. What do you think is the easiest way to reach a consensus on the need for affordable energy supply? I know you are also very committed to nuclear power. But this is not the case in all European Union countries.
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“In my opinion, energy is closely related to the green transition, which is another priority for Sweden. I think we should talk about energy together with the green transition and not forget that energy is also related to security, so we have these two pillars to rely on when it comes to energy.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“Green deal” is the slogan for a sustainable future. But what can be the ambition of the European Union in the context of the current crisis? By the United States or China?
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“The European Union is putting a lot of money and effort into the green transition, and I think our industries are very successful and forward-thinking. I see this a lot in Sweden, we can combine the green transition with competitiveness and l But we also have a number of mechanisms within the European Union: the Recovery Fund , there is a RepowerEU that can help both people and businesses make this transition, and I think we can do it.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“And now let’s talk about asylum and migration. Your coalition government, like many other countries, has the support of a far-right party that advocates a kind of “fortress Europe” model. Border management and also what are your proposals? Processing the files of people who want to enter the European Union is it all about respect for human rights?
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“Most parties in Sweden believe that we should implement the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. Therefore, it will be important for the Swedish presidency to move the negotiations forward. But it will be difficult negotiations, because many Member States have different views on this issue. But our our ambition is to make progress on this issue and on various legislative acts related to the migration pact.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“Let’s move on to the rule of law. Despite the new compromise reached this week, Hungary still faces a freeze on some European funds. These funds will remain blocked until they implement judicial and anti-corruption reforms. Do you think this is a good strategy for this? In the country and perhaps in others return to a liberal and democratic style of governance?
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“For me, the values of the European Union and the rule of law are of great importance. These are the fundamental values that we need. That is why we are the Union that people in other countries want to join, because we must always defend these values. During the Swedish presidency and every presidency, these are are the values that we have to defend. We have different tools in our toolbox for that. And we’re seeing today that one of them, the conditionality mechanism, is coming into force, and that’s a very good sign. I think that’s a strategy going forward, and we’re going to use the different tools that we have in our toolbox. we should continue to use it.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“So do you think the European Commission is doing a good job using this mechanism as a central tool to ensure the rule of law within the Union’s borders?”
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“Yes, absolutely. We see, I believe, that we can use the various tools at our disposal.”
Isabel Marquez da Silva, euronews:
“One last question. What do you think about the corruption scandal involving the European Parliament? Is this an isolated case, or is it perhaps the tip of the iceberg in terms of the other institutions of the European Union? “The European Union ?”
Jessica Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs:
“I cannot answer this question. I believe that this is a serious accusation, we need to wait for the results of the investigation. But we still have to think about how we can fight corruption.”
