If the European Union does not defend its fundamental values - the rule of law, the fight against racism and homophobia, gender equality - within its borders, it will not be credible in promoting them at international level, said Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven on Wednesday 3 April.
“We need to remember our ultimate values. What's the point of the European integration if not to promote our values?” Mr Löfven said during a debate on the future of the EU at the European Parliament in Brussels.
“[The] EU is a compromise, one of the most successful compromises. There can be no compromising on human dignity”, he added, calling for “fight[ing] extremist forces that deny these values”.
According to him, in a world where multilateralism is being undermined, where transatlantic ties are being challenged and where China is proposing an alternative development model to democracy, it is by defending its own values that the Union will allow its citizens, especially its young people, to continue to “dream” of a better world.
Rule of law. The Swedish Prime Minister stressed the importance of respect for the Rule of law as a condition for the allocation of EU funds in the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, which should not be increased but refocused on key political priorities. He supported the Belgian proposal to set up a mechanism to review compliance with the Rule of law (see EUROPE 12014/1).
The Swedish government also intends to ask the national parliament to participate in the enhanced cooperation that has established the European Public Prosecutor's Office (see EUROPE 12228/11).
On economic issues, Mr Löfven called for a deepening of the single market, particularly in the digital sector, taking care not to put workers in competition. He cited the success of Spotify as an example, although, as Guy Verhofstadt (ALDE, Belgium) reminded him, the unicorn has moved its headquarters to New York to grow.
On the trade front, the Swedish Social Democrat also felt that the Union should not curl up on itself, but rather be at the forefront of new technologies.
Climate. “Proud” of the action taken by his compatriot Greta Thunberg, Mr Löfven said it was up to the current leaders, not the next generation, to find a solution to the climate crisis.
Sweden intends to be at the forefront in this area, he said, recalling that his country has set itself the “2045” horizon for its economy to be carbon neutral. And according to him, at EU level, the deadline must be “no later than 2050”.
Migration. Finally, recalling that Sweden had faced a massive influx of migrants in 2015, the Swedish Prime Minister considered that “chaotic” migration undermined the confidence of societies.
He called for “shared responsibility” for the management of the migration phenomenon and identified three strands of action: - control of the EU's external borders, through the European Coast Guard and Border Guard Agency, to ensure security and “save lives"; - “fair distribution” of migrants whose asylum claims must be examined; - close cooperation with non-Member States of origin and transit.
“We have a huge task ahead of us. If we fail to deliver, the Schengen agreement will be weakened [and so will] the whole EU”, he said.
During the debate, several speakers praised the perpetual search for compromise in Sweden, characterised by the adverb ‘lagom’. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)