Thank you, dear Prime Minister, dear Magdalena (Andersson).
First of all, allow me to join you in expressing our shock at the tragic attack in Texas. On behalf of the EU, I would also like to offer my condolences to the victims and to their families.
Thank you for your warm welcome, and for this opportunity to meet you and to prepare our next European Council meeting together.
This is a pivotal moment for Sweden and the whole EU. Your application for NATO membership comes at a crucial time. The values of peace, prosperity, freedom, and democracy are now at stake on our European soil. These values were forged from the ashes of the two world wars. Your decision is strongly supported by the Swedish people. We respect your choice; we fully support your choice and your decision, because NATO membership will be mutually beneficial for both the EU and for NATO. It will make Europe safer. We look forward to a positive resolution to discussions among NATO allies.
Sweden has been an integral part of our united response to Russian aggression, and with the Prime Minister, we discussed the agenda for next week’s European Council. We discussed the importance of financial support to Ukraine – the short-term liquidity needs and the reconstruction needs. We also highlighted the urgency of bolstering our defence capabilities, as we decided in Versailles. We need to address our investment gaps in defence and to join forces as much as possible to maximise our impact.
The issue of energy prices will also be crucial. High prices are putting pressure on our households and economies, and we will focus on phasing out our dependence on fossil fuels from Russia and boosting renewables.
The war in Ukraine is also driving up global food prices. The most vulnerable around the world will pay the heaviest price. In Odesa, I saw millions of tonnes of wheat and grain blocked in silos because of Russian warships. Russia bears sole responsibility for the famines that are taking shape, but we are determined to take action to prevent this global crisis. That is why we support initiatives like FARM, put forward by France and supported by the European Council and the G7. Other humanitarian actions will also be needed.
We are convinced that we must stay strong and united against Russian aggression. I know that we can count on Sweden and Sweden can count on the European Union. Thank you, Magdalena.
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