The order comes from EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz (M) in an interview with the news site Politico Europe.
We want to move forward with the defense partnership, but for many countries it is important to also resolve other sensitive issues. Therefore, I believe it will be important to take steps also when it comes to fishing and other areas, says Rosencrantz.
In order for countries outside the EU to be able to take part in the multi-billion investments promised in the EU's new upscaling plan, a formal security cooperation must be in place.
Negotiations with the United Kingdom are expected ahead of a top meeting between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa and Prime Minister Keir Starmer in May.
An agreement is particularly important for Sweden, given the close links between Swedish and British defense industries.
We want the UK to be part of this. We must work together and it would be very, very good to have a partnership, says Rosencrantz to Politico.
Who gets to fish where and how much has been a conflict issue between the EU and the UK ever since the British exit five years ago.
