On January 11, 2023, Karel Urban the Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Albania handed over the EU Presidency to Elsa Håstad, the Swedish Ambassador to Albania. The ceremony was held at Europe House in the presence of the EU Ambassador Christine Hohmann. Ambassador Håstad presented the priorities of the Swedish EU Presidency 2023. Present at the launch was representatives from civil society, media, government representatives, the Albanian parliament, international community, and development cooperation partners. During the evening Swedish Toas Skagen and Czech beer was served to the music from the official Swedish EU Presidency Playlist.
At the launch Ambassador Elsa Håstad presented the priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union: Security-unity, competitiveness, green and energy transitions, and democratic values and the rule of law. Sweden will drive the EU agenda forward, making EU greener, safer and freer. The Swedish EU Presidency plan to keep the Western Balkans high on the agenda during our EU Presidency. As well as being commitment to the enlargement process and Albania’s EU integration process. The priorities for the Swedish EU Presidency mirrors Swedens priorities for the bilateral development cooperation with Albania to support Albanias EU-accession.
Present at the launch was representatives from civil society, media, government representatives, the Albanian parliament, international community, and development cooperation partners. During the evening Swedish Toas Skagen and Czech beer was served to the music from the official Swedish EU Presidency Playlist.
The four priorities for the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union:
1. Security and Unity
Sweden assumes the EU presidency at a time of historical challenges. Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine reminds us that freedom and democracy must not be taken for granted. The primary task for our Swedish Presidency will be to help ensure Europe’s security by systematically standing up for Ukraine.
2. Competitiveness and economic growth
An economically strong and competitive EU is crucial to the EU’s global standing. Green and innovative companies will be very attractive on a global market – this will be a priority during the Swedish EU Presidency.
3. Green and Energy Transition
Swedish Presidency will work to speed up the transition to a resource-efficient, fossil-free future. This will require investments in innovative industries that can translate the best ideas and innovations into functional solutions.
4. Democratic values and Rule of Law
European Union is based on democratic values, freedom, non-discrimination. This is at the heart and core of Swedish EU Presidency and will be an essential element of Sweden’s – and indeed every – Presidency of the Council.
Read more about the Swedish EU Presidency at www.sweden2023.eu 
