Fact Sheet on the Government of Sweden
A fact sheet presenting the Prime Minister and other Ministers of the Government is now available in both Swedish and English and can be downloaded here.
Focus on human rights during one-month session
The year's biggest meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) begins today. The issues to be discussed include freedom of expression, freedom of religion (including defamation of religion), racism and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The UNHRC will also negotiate resolutions on the human rights situation in individual countries. The human rights situation in the Middle East is expected to be a dominant issue.
Sweden's schools get a boost
The first Government newsletter will talk about the boost to Swedish schools. A new teacher education programme and making pupils feel secure at school are just a couple of the subjects we will discuss. A good school system is important for the whole of Sweden. Click on the image to go to the newsletter.
Carl Bildt to Middle East for political talks
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will travel to Jordan, Israel and Palestine between 26 February and 3 March. He will hold talks with politicians and meet representatives of civil society.
Carl Bildt to Egypt for political talks
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will begin a two-day visit to Cairo late Monday evening. The purpose of the visit is to gain an understanding, on the ground and in broad dialogue, of the political situation in the country and see how Sweden and the EU can contribute to the continued democratisation process. Mr Bildt's visit to Egypt follows a visit by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton.
Years surrounding the demise of the Soviet Union - a challenge for Swedish diplomacy
"The years surrounding the demise of the Soviet Union represent perhaps the most challenging period of Swedish foreign policy since the 1940s. Many have perhaps already forgotten the daily drama of this period twenty years ago."
Nyamko Sabuni to speak at UN Commission on Status of Women
This week, the annual UN meeting will start looking at global gender equality challenges. Over 3 500 delegates from around the world will take part in the UN Commission on the Status of Women, which this year focuses on the access of girls and women to education. Minister for Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni will attend the UN meeting 22-24 February.Nyamko Sabuni will attend the UN meeting. Photo: Pawel Flato
Fredrik Reinfeldt and Carl Bildt visited Latvia
On Friday 18 February, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt visited Latvia for meetings with Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and President Valdis Zatlers. The agenda included bilateral relations and trade, the economic situation in Europe and current EU affairs.
Statement of Foreign Policy presented in the Riksdag
The European Union must be the voice of freedom and the power of democracy. These were the words of Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in the Riksdag on Wednesday when he presented the Statement of Foreign Policy, the annual programmatic declaration that sets out Sweden's work in the world. The struggle for freedom that has swept Egypt and Tunisia in recent weeks featured prominently in the foreign minister's speech. Mr Bildt suggested that the EU must now show the same level of resolve in pushing for open societies and open economies in North Africa as it did in eastern Europe 20 years ago.
Prime Minister on recent events in Egypt
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt commented on Friday evening on Hosni Mubaraks's resignation.
"The protests of the people for openness, freedom and democracy in Egypt have achieved a result. This is a victory not only for the people of Egypt and the demonstrators at Tahrir square, but for everyone who believes in, and fights for, democratic values. A lot of work still remains and it is important that a broad and serious dialogue with the opposition is pursued, which can pave the way for free and democratic elections," says Mr Reinfeldt.
