It is a great pleasure to have you here, Prime Minister, dear Ulf, at the heart of the European Union. We will certainly have a lot to discuss. So thank you very much for taking the time to meet here.
The first topic we will discuss is, of course, the unwavering support for Ukraine. And here, I must commend you for the fact that last week you announced a package of military support for Ukraine from Sweden worth EUR 710 million. From the very beginning on, you have been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and thank you for that. We will also discuss the topic of defence. European citizens want more Europe in defence. For us, it is very clear that it is important to have your opinion in the run-up of the European defence industrial strategy that the Commission will put forward in a couple of weeks. For us, it is very clear: We remain transatlantic, but we become more European. And for you, it is an interesting contribution to our defence industrial strategy, because I know that Sweden has a very strong defence industrial base. And you are on your way to NATO membership. So I value your input very much. The third topic I want to mention is our common fight against climate change and how we can prepare our economy and industry to be competitive. We have cast our climate goals in law – in all of the 27 Member States. So the question is not about the 'what', but the question is about the 'how are we getting there'. And to discuss how we are improving the competitiveness of our economy, to reach a clean and circular economy. This will also be one of our topics. So lots to discuss, and a very warm welcome here.
