February 13, 2008

"Sweden will continue to be a clear voice for a Union open to European countries that want to and can meet the requirements made by membership. Ultimately this is about peace and freedom in our part of the world in our time. The gradual enlargement of the European Union is a uniquely successful process. Enlargement has, in a very tangible way, improved the chances for peace and prosperity in our part of the world, and has created a model for peaceful cooperation and integration that gives inspiration to the rest of the world. For the countries that aspire to EU membership in the future, it is important that the Neighbourhood Policy is not a replacement for but a complement to the membership perspective. This applies not least to Ukraine. We welcome the fact that Ukraine is continuing on a democratic path, and we are aiming for wider and deeper cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine. Membership of the WTO will pave the way for negotiations on deeper free trade cooperation.”

Mr. Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Cut from the Statement of Government Policy in the Parliamentary Debate on Foreign Affairs