“30 years later, Swedes still need 'EU school”
2024-11-22
New Republic Insight #1
In January 2025, Sweden will celebrate 30 years in the EU, but the need for EU education remains.
A Eurobarometer shows that Swedes have a pessimistic view of their EU knowledge. As many as 75% of Swedes consider their compatriots to be poorly informed about the EU and in the 2024 European Parliament elections, only just over half of eligible voters voted. The EU Post Electoral Survey 2024 indicates that ignorance was a bigger factor in low turnout in Sweden than in other countries.
This ignorance is also evident in Brussels, where Swedes are conspicuous by their absence. To address this, the government has allocated funds for training initiatives to help more Swedes pass EU exams and get jobs in the EU institutions. In August, Linnaeus University offered an “EU Boot Camp” to train Swedes for an EU career.
Perhaps it is not so strange that Swedes need to be trained in EU knowledge. Sweden currently has half as many correspondents in Brussels as in 2009, fewer than Denmark. At the same time, the Swedish EU debate often focuses on symbolic issues, despite the fact that around 50% of municipal decisions come from the EU.
In addition, Sweden has gained a reputation in Brussels for being both a naysayer and last on the ball. A report from Sieps shows that the Swedish EU administration has become increasingly reactive and passive. At the same time, Swedish authorities tend to interpret EU directives literally. This is why the government's appointment of the Implementation Council is welcome.
The last Swedish EU Presidency was a success and an important milestone during Sweden's 30 years in the EU. Sweden should take advantage of this new-found expertise and explore SIEPS' proposal to establish a system for EU careers in government.
In January 2025, Sweden will have been a member of the EU for 30 years. The new Commission will determine the development of the EU Green Deal, competitiveness and regulatory simplification in the Union.
When this is decided, we need more Swedes in Brussels and a Sweden with a vision for cooperation.
Ebba Berg Gorgén
Consultant, New Republic