Press release
21 June 2012
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Prime Minister's Office

Bildt and Ohlsson to attend EU meeting in Luxembourg - human rights, multiannual financial framework and enlargement

On 25-26 June Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson will travel to Luxembourg to participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council.

The foreign ministers are to adopt a declaration and an action plan on human rights and democracy. In addition, discussions are expected on developments in Syria and Egypt and on ongoing talks on Irans nuclear programme. At the General Affairs Council, Ms Ohlsson will take part in discussions on the EUs multiannual financial framework and on preparations for the EU summit later in the week, while Mr Bildt will participate in discussions on EU enlargement.

Human Rights

The Foreign Affairs Council on 25 June is expected to adopt Council conclusions on the EUs strategic framework on human rights and democracy. The purpose of the framework is to give democracy and human rights a greater place in development policy. The action plan covers around 90 measures. The Council will also decide on a mandate for a special EU human rights representative. Human rights are at the heart of Swedish foreign policy. The Government is driving to give human rights an even stronger influence on EU external policy.

Syria, Iran and Egypt

Syria, Iran and Egypt are other points on the foreign ministers agenda. The latest developments in Syria are very alarming. The discussion will focus on future EU action, in particular possible further restrictive measures targeting the Syrian regime. In response to Irans nuclear technology programme, the Council will discuss the embargo on imports of oil from Iran and the ongoing dialogue with Iran on its nuclear technology programme.

EU summit, multiannual financial framework and enlargement

At the General Affairs Council on 26 June, Ms Ohlsson will participate in the preparations for the EU summit in Brussels on 2829 June and in a debate on the EUs multiannual financial framework for 20142020. In the enlargement area, Mr Bildt will participate in a discussion on the European Commissions progree report on Montenegro and on the situation for Macedonia.

Press conference

A press conference will be held after the meeting in the Swedish briefing room in the Council building.

Contact

Sara Keusen
Political Adviser
work +46 8 405 54 69
cell +46 70 265 04 29
email to Sara Keusen
Carl Lagerqvist
Pressekreterare hos Birgitta Ohlsson
work +46 8 405 11 63
cell +46 70 308 44 06
email to Carl Lagerqvist