HE Nicola Clase - Swedish Ambassador
(Photo: Swedish Embassy)
Text of Speech:
Mr Chairman,
Thank you for inviting me to speak about Swedish Foreign Policy at your Council.
Europe’s voice is needed in the world. And Sweden’s voice is needed in Europe.
And Sweden --- in the context of European cooperation --- has a responsibility to contribute to freedom, peace, security and development in our immediate vicinity and globally.
To live up to these expectations we need strong and committed
Member States in the European Union.
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Sweden must be at the heart of European cooperation.
Sweden’s role in the world is very much linked to our economic strength and prosperity. We have a responsibility to contribute to freedom, peace, security and development in our immediate vicinity and globally.
2011 is a special year.
Twenty years ago we witnessed dramatic events in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Twenty years ago the courage and determination of the people in these countries led to the regaining of freedom after almost fifty years of Soviet occupation.
It is one thing to gain independence. But it is an even bigger challenge to gain freedom, built on democratic institutions and values.
Throughout history we have seen many dreams of freedom crushed. We have seen conflicts and tensions erode good intentions and pave the way for new oppression and human suffering.
And people are still struggling for democracy and human rights in our very neighbourhood, in Belarus.
This year we have seen how people’s demands for freedom
on the other side of the Mediterranean are creating breathtaking new
opportunities for hundreds of millions of people in Europe’s immediate
neighbourhood.
But we have also seen how people’s fight for democracy in the Middle East can be violently opposed through regimes that are unwilling to promote change.
Our task is to see how we can help, step by step, to build a better future for them all.
The task at hand is in many ways more difficult than the task two decades ago. Europe’s magnetic attraction is not as obvious, and Europe as a model in all respects is not as natural.
Egypt is a proud nation whose history is much longer than that of any
European country. The economic and social challenges are formidable.
In Libya we hope that enough pressure on Ghaddafi will in the end open for a better future in Libya.
Our commitment to freedom and democracy south of our Union must be just as strong as our commitment to freedom and democracy east of our Union. This is about their freedom --- but also about our peace.
With visions, but without illusions, we must now see how we can, step by step, help these countries to build institutions of democracy and the rule of law to safeguard freedom and open societies.
And step by step, their economies must be opened up and reformed so as to create growth, jobs and hope of a better future.
Just as clearly as we condemn the new wave of oppression in Minsk, we will welcome the new wave of freedom in Tunis and Cairo and condemn oppression in Libya and Syria. And in the region as a whole.
The European Neighbourhood Policy must be reformed. In the east, the
Eastern Partnership is growing stronger, but in the south we have at times been too irresolute.
We must have a Neighbourhood Policy that is committed to open societies and open economies, both towards the east and south.
Sweden has discreetly provided tools to break through regimes’ Internet blockades. Freedom of the Internet paves the way for people’s freedom.
But much more will be needed.
We are supporting the process of democratization in Tunisia. And we have initiated a dialogue with Egypt on the help and support we can provide.
The path via a new constitution to free and fair elections is the beginning of a long path of necessary reforms, including economic reforms.
We will have many reasons to return to this.
The Government has previously presented and established Sweden’s security policy in the Parliament. This security policy remains firmly in place.
Membership of the European Union means that Sweden is part of a
political alliance and takes its share of responsibility, in the spirit of solidarity, for Europe’s security.
And - Sweden will not remain passive if another EU Member State or Nordic country suffers a disaster or an attack. We expect these countries to act in the same way if Sweden is similarly affected.
Sweden is taking a proactive role in efforts to strengthen the European Union’s capacity to contribute to civilian and military crisis management.
One concrete example of our commitment is that we are currently leading the Nordic Battlegroup, which is on standby for the EU.
Sweden is not immune to international terrorism, as the attack last year in Stockholm showed. The emergence of violent extremism is a global issue requiring international cooperation.
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Two decades ago, liberation opened the way for renewed cooperation
between the Baltic Sea states.
The Baltic countries are now members of both the European Union and NATO, and at the start of this year, Estonia adopted the euro as its currency.
This is a positive development for the whole of our region.
Our Nordic identity fits within the framework of our European identity.
Through Nordic and Nordic-Baltic cooperation, we have more of an impact than we would as individual countries.
To our north lies another challenge of growing importance. Arctic issues are becoming increasingly important for the international community,
not least due to climate change.
This month, Sweden took over the chairmanship of the Arctic Council and will play a key role in coordinating this increasingly strategic area.
Mr Chairman,
Europe does not end at the outer border of the European Union. The
European perspective in our region is key to democratic and economic
development in these countries, and for the Union’s own credibility
globally.
The Treaty establishes the right for all European states that respect the Union’s values to apply for membership of the European Union. And
there is a mutual interest in an open Europe.
Through cooperation and integration we can enrich our societies politically, economically and culturally, and promote peace and security on our continent.
Making visible the political and economic gains to be had from enlargement is all the more important when xenophobic and isolationist currents have found a foothold in many parts of the Union.
We fully support the EU process initiated by Iceland and look forward to Iceland also being able to take a decision on full membership within the next few years.
Turkish EU membership, once all the conditions are met, would strengthen both Turkey and the European Union. Turkey’s democratisation process has moved forward.
Comprehensive constitutional reform, focusing on the rights of the individual, is within reach after the parliamentary elections this summer.
Greater reform efforts in the Balkans are necessary to ensure the integration of the entire region into the EU.
The membership perspective is an important incentive for reforms and promotes stability, economic and social development, and regional cooperation on continued reconciliation.
Croatia will take the step towards full EU membership in a few years’
time. Negotiations with the other countries can begin when the set
requirements have been fulfilled.
The Bosnian leadership must take its responsibility for introducing necessary reforms to pave the way for the country’s continued European integration.
The need for a new and active Neighbourhood Policy is clear. Increased trade, movement across borders and common regulatory frameworks contribute to prosperity and security and inspire democratic development.
The framework for the Union’s cooperation to the east is the Eastern
Partnership, which came about as a Swedish-Polish initiative. The development of the Eastern Partnership in all its dimensions is of central interest to Sweden.
Important steps have been taken to promote reforms in the direction of the European Union’s fundamental values, but the partnership must constantly develop if it is to remain relevant.
The summit in the autumn between the European Union and our eastern European neighbours will be an important opportunity to make new progress.
But democratic development in the region does not always move as
quickly as, or even in the direction, we are striving for.
One obvious example of this is Belarus, where the brutal attacks during the presidential election were a serious setback to efforts towards freedom, democracy and human rights in Europe.
Sweden has been a driving force for vigorous European measures against the regime, and at the same time we have been strengthening support to the country’s democratic forces.
There are strong reasons for closely following developments in Ukraine, especially respect for democratic principles, freedom of the media and
human rights.
Sweden supports the country’s European integration and
hopes that the negotiations on an association agreement with the European Union can be concluded this year.
The latent conflicts in the southern Caucasus threaten the stability of the entire region and must not be allowed to flare up again.
We must therefore continue to lead these countries closer to the European Union within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.
The European Union’s support for Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders is unequivocal.
Mr Chairman,
The United States is the European Union’s principal strategic partner and Transatlantic consensus strengthens Europe’s ability to tackle global challenges.
We look forward to transatlantic cooperation that is closer and more operational in all areas, including cyber security.
In the long term, we would like to see deeper economic integration between the EU and the US through a free trade agreement.
It is in Europe’s interest that Russia develop into a full political and economic partner. Russia must contribute to solutions to the remaining conflicts in our common region.
The country’s institutions must be modernised for Russia to operate under the rule of law with full respect for human rights and democracy.
It is vital that the country be integrated into international cooperation based on mutual commitments, and Sweden supports Russian membership of the WTO.
Asia today holds a clear position as the world’s growth engine, with increasing economic and political influence.
China, which is at the centre of this dialogue, has undergone radical
change. The proportion of very poor people has decreased from 65 per
cent to 10 per cent in 30 years. The European Union’s relations with China are growing stronger.
Through dialogue, Sweden and the EU are able to promote greater respect for human rights and democratic principles in China, where much remains to be done.
Continued persecution of dissidents, executions and restrictions on freedom of expression on the Internet give cause for concern.
As the world’s largest democracy and country operating under the rule
of law, India is a key country for long-term stability and security in Asia.
Deepened cooperation with India on global issues such as cyber security,combating terrorism, climate, development and open trade routes is
natural.
A free trade agreement between the EU and India would further
strengthen relations.
Sweden and the European Union have an interest in broadening the
strategic partnership with Brazil and South Africa.
As growing economic actors with greater political influence, these countries play an important role both in their own right and as a voice for new perspectives in international cooperation.
In fact the Swedish Prime Minister is currently on a visit to Brazil and Chile.
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Sweden’s commitment in Afghanistan is strong and long-term. The broad political consensus on our presence in Afghanistan lays a solid foundation for our initiatives to contribute to peace, security and development, and to help the Afghan people build up their country.
Beginning in 2011, responsibility for security in Afghanistan will be
gradually transferred to the Afghan authorities. This will likely affect the northern part of the country, where Swedish-Finnish troops are currently stationed.
One way Sweden is helping Afghans take this responsibility is by providing support to UN coordination efforts, while we are also increasing our civilian presence and deepening our development cooperation.
Next year, all Swedish initiatives will be transferred to civilian leadership. Peaceful and democratic development in Afghanistan and its neighbour, Pakistan, is also in Sweden’s interest.
Terrorist groups with bases in border areas still pose a potential regional and global threat.
The European Union has a strategic interest in strengthening its relations with Pakistan, not least through closer trade cooperation.
The situation in the Middle East has reached an impasse. The unresolved conflict between Israelis and Palestinians remains a crucial challenge for the international community.
Both parties must refrain from provocative actions.
The European Union wants to see a peace agreement on a two state solution, based on international law, which was made clear by the Council of the European Union in December 2009.
Syria and Lebanon must also be included in a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement.
The intentions behind Iran’s nuclear programme continue to give cause
for concern.
Sweden gives its full support to the resumed dialogue with Iran, concerning issues such as its nuclear programme. An agreement should be based on international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that would satisfy the legitimate interests of both sides.
Respect for human rights and freedoms in Iran continues to deteriorate.
The number of executions has increased dramatically. This is unacceptable. Sweden is working bilaterally and within the framework of the UN and the European Union to reverse this trend.
Sweden was one of the initiative-takers for a UN Human Rights Council resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. We proposed a special UN rapporteur for these issues and are happy that this is being materialized.
It is pleasing to see that a new coalition government is in place in Iraq.
This creates the conditions for better security for all groups in the country, reduced violence and continued strong Swedish commitment.
Sweden has re-inaugurated its embassy in Baghdad and opened a consulate in Erbil in Kurdistan in northern Iraq.
There are approximately 100 000 people with an Iraqi background in Sweden.
The image of Africa is changing. Six of the world’s ten leading emerging market countries of the past decade are in Africa. Trade and integration are becoming ever more important driving forces.
The referendum in southern Sudan opens the door to peace and reconciliation. The result places considerable demands on parties in both the north and the south to complete the peace agreement of 2005 in a peaceful manner.
An independent southern Sudan is also a major challenge for the international community to help in the work to build up the new state.
Developments in the Great Lakes region have widespread repercussions
across the African continent. The extensive human rights violations, not least the systematic sexual violence against women and girls in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, must cease.
Mr Chairman,
Sweden and the European Union, together with other donors, have a
responsibility to ensure that aid and other development policy tools are continuously adapted to meet the challenges of a changing world.
The starting point for Sweden’s overall development policy is poverty
reduction by promoting sustainable and equitable development, human
rights, democracy and a strong civil society.
With a level of aid that will amount to SEK 35 billion in 2011 --- which corresponds to one per cent of GDP --- Sweden is one of few countries to live up to the UN aid target.
A special investment in women, children and young people is being made to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals on reduced infant and maternal mortality.
Our development cooperation must be growth-oriented. The poor 10
countries of the past can, in the future, become the growth engines of the world economy.
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International law and respect for human rights are a cornerstone of
Swedish foreign policy and a precondition for sustainable globalisation.
A shrinking, globalised world requires international rules to manage borderless challenges and flows. Where the rule of law gains a foothold, crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished.
The Government is particularly committed to strengthening the interrelationship between human rights, democracy and development underpinned by the principles of the rule of law.
We want to give human rights a more prominent role in peace and security efforts.
Sweden is standing for the UN Human Rights Council for the period
2012---2015. Membership would offer us an important arena in which to
pursue pressing human rights issues globally and contribute constructively to necessary reforms to the work of the Council.
Sweden is committed to supporting human rights advocates around the
world. Efforts to bring about the release of Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak are continuing. He has now been imprisoned for ten years.
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Today, we are seeing a recovery in the world economy that in many places, however, is still fragile. At the same time many rich countries have strained budgets and limited opportunities to pursue active budgetary policies.
In this context, it is fundamental not to restrict trade flows and give in to protectionism but to harness the opportunities of globalisation to promote global economic growth and financial stability.
Sweden is an open and trade-oriented country. Sweden’s economic growth and strong competitiveness stem from our desire to benefit from globalisation and the flow of goods, services and capital.
Global challenges require effective multilateral and global forms of governance. A strong and well-functioning United Nations is a prerequisite for effective multilateralism, which is a cornerstone of Swedish and European foreign policy.
Secure energy supply has become a key concept within the context of foreign and security policy. Our energy dependence and that of our European neighbours, and the need for diversification of energy supply, are at the core of the debate.
But security of supply is just as much a matter of creating conditions for well-functioning and integrated markets and creating incentives for investments in innovation, energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy.
Mr Chairman,
Globalisation influences our security policy interests. Our societies are becoming increasingly dependent on the various flows of goods, services, capital, people and information that are the core of globalisation.
One of the most important challenges facing Sweden and the international community is to secure and facilitate the flows that give globalisation its power.
But we must also be able to combat and control the flows that risk undermining our societies.
Organised crime, trafficking in human beings, drug smuggling, illicit trafficking in firearms, piracy and terrorism are some of these.
We must protect the freedom of the Internet that totalitarian states and authoritarian regimes want to stifle for fear of losing their
information superiority and power.
A free and open Internet also requires secure and functioning networks and that we can protect ourselves against the illegal flows that threaten our security and fundamental values.
This balance requires new thinking, political will and, above all, cross-border international cooperation.
Sweden is pushing for freedom of the Internet and cyber security to be included as a natural part of the European dialogue with global partners.
Mr Chairman,
Sweden is well placed to make a constructive contribution to addressing global challenges.
We must ensure that the European Union uses its current instrument in an effective and efficient way to influence developments in the world in keeping with our values and interests.
We must use and cultivate these opportunities for the benefit of a world of peace and freedom.
Thank you
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Photo taken by Elizabeth Hallett
