Focus On Ukraine And The Baltic Sea Region When PSC Ambassadors Visited Sweden

Security in the Baltic Sea region, civil defence, climate and security, and support to Ukraine were on the agenda when Political and Security Committee (PSC) ambassadors visited Gotland and Stockholm on 14–16 June.

A visit to Gotland gave the PSC ambassadors from Brussels a detailed picture of the island’s geostrategic importance and Sweden’s commitment to safeguarding security in the Euro-Atlantic area. The Swedish Armed Forces’ investment in the Gotland Regiment (P 18), which the ambassadors visited, is an important part of this work.

In Stockholm, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström discussed Sweden’s foreign and security policy priorities with the ambassadors. Sweden’s and the EU’s support to Ukraine was the overarching theme throughout the visit.

“We are obligated to continue supporting Ukraine for as long as is necessary. At the same time, we must impose harsher sanctions against Russia and ensure that it is held accountable for its crimes in and against Ukraine,”

Tobias Billström”

Minister of Foreign Affairs

During the visit, the participants discussed the importance of a broad security concept and cooperation between military and civilian defence. They also held a panel discussion on the implementation of the Strategic Compass – a strategy for EU security and defence cooperation. Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Minister for Civil Defence, opened the panel discussion.

While in Sweden, the ambassadors also discussed the connection between climate challenges, peace and security at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute with Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess.

In summary, Sweden’s ambassador in the PSC, Mikael Lindvall, noted that the visit was successful in highlighting Swedish perspectives on the EU’s common foreign and security policy.