FBA's contribution to Sweden’s EU presidency

FBA's Contribution to the Swedish EU Presidency 2023

FBA aimed to elevate the ambition in EU work during the presidency to provide a relevant and strategic contribution. The agency worked proactively before and during the presidency to identify opportunities for contribution. FBA conducted various activities and collaborations centered on peace, security, and civilian crisis management.

The agency reinforced Swedish priorities in key policy processes within EU foreign and security policy. FBA hosted and participated in several meetings and seminars in Stockholm and Brussels. The agency contributed its geographical and thematic expertise.

Examples of FBA's contributions include:

• FBA provided expertise before and during negotiations on the new Civilian CSDP Pact.
• The Swedish presidency advocated for an increased geopolitical role for the EU in its neighborhood.
• FBA strengthened its presence in Brussels by stationing an employee at the EU Representation, in Brussels.
• FBA, together with MSB, hosted an informal meeting of the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CivCom) in Stockholm on February 24th.
• In the operationalization of EU stabilization support discussed by the Committee for Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), FBA contributed with analysis and expert support.
• FBA also conducted communication efforts that contributed to strengthening the EU as a security policy actor.

Read the full report on FBA's contributions to the Swedish EU Presidency in 2023 (in swedish).

Read more about the specific contributions from the spring of 2023:

Europe's security high on the agenda under Swedish leadership
The EU strengthens civilian capacity to respond to crises in the world
The EU strengthens crisis management capabilities during the Swedish Presidency
Flexible crisis management teams in Armenia set a model for future EU efforts

How does the presidency work in the EU?

The Council of the European Union, together with the European Parliament, adopts EU laws and consists of ministers from the governments of EU countries. The presidency of the council rotates among the member states every six months. As the presidency country, Sweden is responsible for leading the council's work, including conducting a large number of meetings, both in Brussels and in Sweden.

Read more on the presidency's website.