16/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Swedish minister of international economic affairs and financial markets Gunnar Lund (who was a permanent representative of Sweden to the EU 1999-2002), stated in "Les Echos on 16 December that the failure of the IGC summit in Brussels was a failure reflecting "a deteriorating climate and increased tension between the large and small countries". Lund sees "an obvious link between the decision on the stability pact" (suspension of procedures against France and Germany for excessive deficit) and this failure. He stated, "Why should small countries make concessions to two countries considered as the power houses of the Union but which make a mockery of the signed agreements?". At the same time the minister criticises the "too selfish and too narrow" attitude of Poland and Spain with regard to Council parity. He also attacked the Italian presidency for "not being up to it" and asked whether "the ground had been prepared enough" before the summit of Brussels on the controversial issues.