Sweden takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU

© Image: Axel Öberg/Regeringskansliet This photograph shows two people in the foreground who are out of focus. The background consists of a yellow wall and the logo of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

© Image: Axel Öberg/Regeringskansliet

Starting 1 January and lasting until 30 June 2023, Sweden is holding its third Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Sweden took over from Czechia and will hand over the responsibility to Spain on 1 July.

In the next 6 months, the Swedish Presidency will focus on security, competitiveness, green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law. As for culture and media, a certain focus will be set on displaced artists, artistic creativity, artistic freedom, conditions for the cultural and creative industries and as well as on the Media Freedom Act.

On its website, the Swedish Presidency elaborates that “In the area of culture, the Presidency intends to present Council conclusions on the subject of displaced artists, with the aim of emphasising the importance of giving them protection and support to continue their artistic endeavours within existing programmes and structures. The Presidency also intends to highlight other aspects of the prerequisites for artistic creativity, as well as artistic freedom and the conditions for the cultural and creative industries.

Independent and strong media and cultural sectors are crucial elements of a vibrant and resilient democracy. The Presidency will advance the work on the proposal for a European Media Freedom Act.