It was a determined prime minister who faced the press ahead of his speech at the Fadimegalan in Stockholm on Sunday afternoon. The evening before, US President Donald Trump had threatened tariffs on Sweden and seven other countries, including Denmark, unless Denmark agreed to sell Greenland to the US.
But despite Trump’s escalated rhetoric, the prime minister is urging restraint from the Swedish side.
"I think we should keep a cool head now and agree with other EU countries on how we respond with the aim of avoiding a trade war," Kristersson said.
Discussions are now underway in the EU about a joint response, he adds.
Do you think the EU should activate the so-called trade bazooka against the US?
"It is one of many tools that the EU has. I don't think we should get ahead of ourselves here. We have a wide range of possible means to use in the EU. The so-called bazooka is one of them," Kristersson said.
“Significant muscles”
Could the EU-US trade agreement be torn up in response?
"Yes, it must be approved by parliament. I believe that if the US acts in this way against European countries and thus against the EU, it is clear that Europe's goodwill towards the US will not increase," Kristersson said.
What can Sweden and the EU put up against the USA? What cards can we play?
"In terms of trade, the EU is a giant. It is the world's largest combined trading bloc. Bigger than any other. We have significant muscle when it comes to trade. We would rather use it to conclude free trade agreements, to increase trade, not to restrict trade."
"But it's not that we lack the means to respond. I hope we avoid this because I think the US should withdraw these threats," Kristersson said.
Does Ukraine risk losing support from the United States if this conflict escalates?
"I'm not going to jump to any conclusions. There are ongoing discussions about long-term security guarantees for Ukraine after a peace negotiation," Kristersson said.
“Bad in every way”
Do you see any glimmer of hope? What can Sweden and the EU hope for?
"No, this is bad in every way. It is a serious situation. It impairs opportunities for cooperation in other areas. It damages trust and creates significant concern around the world," Kristersson said.
But Sweden stands strong, the prime minister emphasizes.
"The United States is a country, but only one of many countries that we trade with. We have a very strong economy of our own. We can handle these kinds of distractions in the economy. It's not good, but we are prepared to face something like this," Kristersson said.
