LONDON

Sweden will take over the rotating EU Council presidency from the Czech Republic on Jan. 1.

Sweden, which will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union until July 1, has identified the issues it will prioritize during its term.

According to documents prepared by the Swedish presidency, security, competitiveness, the environment, and energy transition, democratic values and the rule of law will be the main topics.

"Sweden is taking over the presidency at a time when the European Union is facing unprecedented challenges. A greener, safer, and freer Europe is the basis of our priorities," said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The country will prioritize the continuation of military and economic support to Ukraine and believes that Ukraine's EU accession process should also be supported and further steps are taken to rebuild the country.

In foreign policy, Sweden will give priority to Russia.

Stockholm is also keen to intensify contacts with the countries concerned.

Referring to the importance of the security situation in the Balkans, it stated that stability and security in the eastern Mediterranean are in the EU's strategic interest.

Sweden also believes that cooperation and mutually beneficial relations with Türkiye are important for the EU's strategic interests.

The Swedish government, which advocates keeping the transatlantic ties with the US strong, will also try to direct its economic policies in the environment brought by the protectionist economic decisions of the US administration that may adversely affect the European countries.