Sweden assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1 2009, identifying dealing with the financial crisis and with climate change as its priorities.
 
"It's going to be a very exciting six months, but the task before us is not an easy one. I'm looking forward to tackling the autumn's challenges together," Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said in a statement on the Swedish Presidency website.
 
"The most important thing is to ensure that we are able to gather the EU together to respond to the challenges that people care about and where strong European co-operation can make a difference.
 
"This is a matter of dealing with the financial crisis together and tackling the rising unemployment that is currently affecting the whole of Europe. It is also matter of doing our bit to rally the whole world to tackle climate change. These two priorities will dominate our presidency," Reinfeldt said.
 
There are also other important issues Sweden intends to pursue during its presidency, the Swedish statement said.
 
One is the development and strengthening of EU co-operation on justice and home affairs in the Stockholm Programme, in order to be in a better position to fight cross-border crime.
 
Another task is to adopt an EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region, in order to deal with environmental problems and increase the region's competitiveness, along with continuing the work to form closer ties between the EU and its neighbouring countries and EU enlargement.
 
The Swedish Presidency said that it would also work to strengthen the EU’s role as a global actor with a clear agenda for peace, development, democracy and human rights.
 
"In addition, we must expect the unexpected. Dealing with unforeseen events is often what distinguishes a Presidency. By working together in a way that is open, effective and results oriented , we will take on the challenges," Reinfeldt said.
 
Upcoming meetings being chaired by the Swedish presidency include, on July 7, the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in Brussels, July 6 to 9 an informal meeting of the EPSCO Council in Jönköping, July 10 the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Budget) in Brussels, on July 13 the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, and on July 15  Reinfeldt will be at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
July 15 to 17 sees an informal meeting on justice and home affairs ministers in  Stockholm, July 13 to 14 an informal meeting of energy ministers Åre, July 14 to 25 an informal meeting of environment ministers in Åre and July 27 and 28, the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels.