Swedes Who Could Land the EU's Top Job

A new Swedish EU Commissioner is soon to be appointed. Can it be EU Minister Jessika Roswall, a former Prime Minister or KD leader Ebba Busch? So far, the answer only exists in Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's head.

» Updated: October 04 2024

» Published: June 14 2024

Swedes Who Could Land the EU's Top Job
Photo: TT

A new Swedish EU Commissioner is soon to be appointed. Could it be EU Minister Jessika Roswall, a former Prime Minister or KD leader Ebba Busch?

So far, the answer only exists in Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's head.

As usual, Brussels is abuzz with rumours when it comes to top jobs. Here's a taste of which Swedes are being talked about as the new Commissioner.

EU Minister Jessika Roswall (M), a familiar face since Sweden held the EU presidency in the spring of 2023.

Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M), is thought to have done a good job with the EU's migration pact during Sweden's presidency. But Sweden is unlikely to get migration issues again.

EU Parliamentarian Tomas Tobé (M), negotiated a significant part of the migration pact on behalf of the Parliament.

Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M), a name that has surfaced recently.

Trade and Development Minister Johan Forssell (M), particularly if Sweden gets trade or competition issues, known since the EU presidency.

Former Prime and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (M), is always mentioned on lists of Swedish politicians.

The Moderate Party's party secretary, former Defence Minister Karin Enström, is mentioned by Moderates at home.

Former Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt (M), has a large network, which could give him a heavy portfolio. But Reinfeldt is controversial within the Moderate Party.

Business and Energy Minister Ebba Busch (KD), but will the Moderates relinquish the top post to the KD? Reinfeldt did appoint Cecilia Malmström (L) after all.

Thriving in the EU

In late May, Ebba Busch was asked if she wanted to become an EU Commissioner by TT and SR reporters in Brussels.

I think it's incredibly important to have EU cooperation and I thrive on the craftsmanship that is involved in ministerial meetings, but I'm extremely grateful to be the leader of the KD and feel that I have a lot left to do in Sweden, said Busch then.

It's clear that Sweden's current Commissioner, Social Democrat Ylva Johansson, must step down in the autumn. Although Ulf Kristersson appreciates her work as responsible for the EU's migration policy, he wants to replace her. Never before has a Swedish EU Commissioner been a Moderate.

Swedish Wish List

When the Commission's areas of responsibility are to be distributed, competitiveness, trade, expansion, and migration usually top Sweden's wish list. Economically heavy portfolios are ruled out, since Sweden is not part of the eurozone.

So what does the requirement list for an EU Commissioner look like?

Ideally, ministerial experience – the heavier the minister, the greater the chance of a heavy portfolio – a broad network and skilled negotiator. It doesn't hurt if the person is comfortable speaking English and preferably several languages.

Maria Davidsson/TT

Facts: Sweden's Previous EU Commissioners/Timetable?

TT

Since Sweden joined the EU in 1995, all Swedish EU Commissioners have been women:

1995-99 Anita Gradin (S): Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner.

1999-2004 Margot Wallström (S): Environment Commissioner.

2004-2010 Margot Wallström: Vice President and responsible for institutional relations and communication.

2010-2014 Cecilia Malmström (L): Home Affairs Commissioner.

2014-2019 Cecilia Malmström: Trade Commissioner.

2019-2024 Ylva Johansson (S): Home Affairs Commissioner.

The Commission consists of one member from each of the 27 member states. The Commissioners do not represent their own countries but are supposed to work for the best interests of the entire EU.

The Commission President decides which area of responsibility they will get.

The Commissioner is nominated by the government, usually sometime during late summer. First, however, the EU Commission President must be elected.

Tags

TTT
By TT - Translated and adapted by Sweden Herald

More news

Gunfire Hits Building in Stockholm
1 MIN READ

Gunfire Hits Building in Stockholm Suburb Overnight

Stockholm Security Guard Stabbed, Man
1 MIN READ

Stockholm Security Guard Stabbed, Man Arrested After Midnight Attack

Summer Arrives Early in Parts
1 MIN READ

Summer Arrives Early in Parts of Sweden

Malmö Evacuation Ends as Suspicious
1 MIN READ

Malmö Evacuation Ends as Suspicious Object Deemed Harmless

Easter Partygoers Slammed with Sky-High
1 MIN READ

Easter Partygoers Slammed with Sky-High Parking Fines

Woman Killed in Skellefteå Crash
1 MIN READ

Woman Killed in Skellefteå Crash After Car Veers Off Road

Silent Suffering: Neglect of Small
3 MIN READ

Silent Suffering: Neglect of Small Pets Like Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Often Goes Unreported

Paraglider Crashes in Åre, Sweden;
1 MIN READ

Paraglider Crashes in Åre, Sweden; Rushed to Hospital

New Rules for Farm Sales
3 MIN READ

New Rules for Farm Sales Spark Criticism Over Hangover Threat

Body Found in Burnt-Out Rental
1 MIN READ

Body Found in Burnt-Out Rental Car in Northern Stockholm

Genre image
3 MIN READ

Most Swedish Teens Consume Too Much Sugar, Experts Warn

Two Arrested in Klippan for
1 MIN READ

Two Arrested in Klippan for Suspected Explosive Goods Crime

Man Stabbed in Västerås Brawl
1 MIN READ

Man Stabbed in Västerås Brawl Involving 20 People

Man Found Dead in Jämtland;
1 MIN READ

Man Found Dead in Jämtland; Police Investigate Suspected Murder

Woman Charged for Allegedly Spreading
1 MIN READ

Woman Charged for Allegedly Spreading Cockroaches in Malmö Apartment

Man Arrested for Attempted Murder
1 MIN READ

Man Arrested for Attempted Murder of Ex-Wife in Sollentuna

Teen Boys Hospitalized After A-Tractor
1 MIN READ

Teen Boys Hospitalized After A-Tractor Collision in Blekinge

Suspect Arrested in Stockholm for
1 MIN READ

Suspect Arrested in Stockholm for Alleged Crime Preparation

Two Detained in Gothenburg Double
1 MIN READ

Two Detained in Gothenburg Double Murder Investigation

Suspect Detained After Explosions Rock
1 MIN READ

Suspect Detained After Explosions Rock Trollhättan

Sweden's Cardinal Arborelius: A Humble
5 MIN READ

Sweden's Cardinal Arborelius: A Humble Voice in Catholic Leadership

Human Remains Discovered in Freezer,
1 MIN READ

Human Remains Discovered in Freezer, Suspect Detained in Sweden

Climate Activists Allegedly Fly Drones
1 MIN READ

Climate Activists Allegedly Fly Drones at Landvetter Airport

Fredrick Federley Enters Church Election
1 MIN READ

Fredrick Federley Enters Church Election in Västerås Diocese

Chocolate's Shelf Life: Why It
3 MIN READ

Chocolate's Shelf Life: Why It Lasts Longer Than You Think

Proposal to Rename Arlanda Airport
1 MIN READ

Proposal to Rename Arlanda Airport to Alfred Nobel Airport Gains Support

Man Arrested in Connection with
1 MIN READ

Man Arrested in Connection with Suspected Rape at Stockholm Nightclub

Stem Cell Trials Offer New
2 MIN READ

Stem Cell Trials Offer New Hope for Advanced Parkinson's Treatment

Fire Destroys Barn, 30 Animals
1 MIN READ

Fire Destroys Barn, 30 Animals Lost; 170 Rescued Nearby

Police Nationwide to Tackle Sugar
1 MIN READ

Police Nationwide to Tackle Sugar Dating with New Proactive Measures

Explosion in Central Stockholm Damages
1 MIN READ

Explosion in Central Stockholm Damages Building, No Injuries Reported

Explosion Damages Malmö Apartment Door,
1 MIN READ

Explosion Damages Malmö Apartment Door, No Injuries Reported

Teen Receives Medical Attention After
1 MIN READ

Teen Receives Medical Attention After Dog Bite in Linköping

Woman Convicted for Cracking Egg
1 MIN READ

Woman Convicted for Cracking Egg on Daughter's Head in Live Stream

Man Fined for Explosion Caused
1 MIN READ

Man Fined for Explosion Caused by Attempt to Deep-Fry Chili Cheese

Fire at Gothenburg Refinery Injures
1 MIN READ

Fire at Gothenburg Refinery Injures Three, One Seriously