Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt (R) and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso attend a joint press conference in Stockholm, Sweden, July 1, 2009. Sweden on Wednesday took over the six-month presidency of the European Union (EU), the world's largest integrated economy with nearly half a billion citizen. (Xinhua/He Miao)
Sweden on Wednesday took over the presidency of the European Union (EU), the world's largest integrated economy with nearly half a billion citizen.
"After two year's preparation, Sweden takes over the presidency of the EU," Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said at a joint press conference with the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
Barroso and other members of the executive European Commission visited the Swedish capital, Stockholm, as part of events marking the launch of the six-month presidency.
Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt speaks at a joint press conference in Stockholm, Sweden, July 1, 2009. (Xinhua/He Miao)
Reinfeldt described the term as "a very exciting six months," but "the task before us is not an easy one and it's a big responsibility for Sweden," he said.
The current international financial crisis and climate change will be the two priorities, among other challenges, during Sweden's presidency, he said.
Barroso expressed confidence in Sweden for its ability to lead the EU to deal with the financial crisis in the following six months. He also hoped Sweden could lead the EU to forge a unified stance at the upcoming UN climate conference in Copenhagen in December, to reach consensus on greenhouse gas emission cuts.
Source: Xinhua
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