I continue to focus on what the US is actually doing, but also on showing that the EU is strong, says the Foreign Minister and continues:
And a decision next week on repair loans (to Ukraine) supported by the frozen Russian assets is crucial to also demonstrate that strength on the part of the EU.
"Crucial"
Maria Malmer Stenergard hopes that the EU will "be able to pull itself together".
Partly because it is important to show that the EU is capable of making difficult and important decisions. But also because it is absolutely crucial for the financing of both Ukraine's military activities and their public administration in the coming years.
If it fails, will the EU prove Donald Trump right in his criticism?
I wouldn't say that per se. What happens then is that we continue with the funding that we have had before, where unfortunately a few countries take a very large responsibility for the support to Ukraine and where Sweden will continue to take responsibility.
But we want that responsibility to be broadened and that we secure long-term financing.
Don't interfere.
The Trump administration's new national security strategy states that the United States should encourage the influence of patriotic parties in Europe. Maria Malmer Stenergard believes that countries should not interfere in the domestic politics of other countries.
Are you worried that the US will interfere in the Swedish election campaign?
To begin with, it is Swedish voters who decide the future of Sweden. And Swedish democracy is decided in Sweden.
It is something that Sweden refrains from, and which I think the United States should also do.
