Sweden is insisting on the swift adoption of the 19th sanctions package against Russia to intensify pressure on Moscow while also supporting EU enlargement, paving the way for the start of the first round of negotiations with Ukraine within the EU’s agenda.
On September 16, Sweden’s Minister for European Union Affairs, Jessica Rosencrantz, expressed concern that “one member state continues to block this process”.
“One member state continues to block this process.”
– Jessica Rosencrantz
According to her, EU enlargement is also seen as an investment in peace and security in the region. Sweden supports candidate countries provided they meet the requirements, which would expedite their path to full EU membership.
She added that right now, on September 16, EU ministers are working on preparing the agenda for the European Council, a crucial step on the path to closer ties with the European Union and the strengthening of the partnership with Ukraine.
Context and Implications for the EU
“Security and defense will become important topics, and Russia’s violation of airspace over Poland and Romania is absolutely unacceptable,” the Swedish official stressed. “Sweden fully supports Poland and Romania as NATO allies, but also as EU member states. We are ready to take measures when necessary, both in the realm of defense and in deterrence.”
According to her, these events will influence discussions at the European Council. She also reminded that Ukraine’s security is closely linked to Europe’s security, and EU member states must continue to act together to support a peaceful order and stability in the region.