Related. Press release 23 May 2014 Ministry of the Environment Prime Minister's Office

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1 2014 Press release 23 May 2014 Ministry of the Environment Sweden intends to take legal action against the European Commission The European Commission has disregarded its responsibility to adopt scientific criteria on endocrine disruptors. The speedy adoption of such criteria is crucial if the EU's biocidal products regulation and other regulations in the chemicals area are to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment. Without these criteria, it is very difficult to begin the phasing out of endocrine disruptors in these types of products. "It is a serious matter, not least with regard to the protection of young children, that the Commission is delaying this important process. I am also concerned that the Commission does not make a clear distinction between what science says about the intrinsic characteristics of these substances and the consequences of a substance being identified as an endocrine disruptor. The Swedish Government therefore decided to submit a formal application to institute legal action against the European Commission," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek. Related Chemicals policy Endocrine disruptors are substances that disrupt the body's endocrine system. They can imitate the body's own hormones or disrupt the system that ensures that hormones are transported to the correct cells. The endocrine system is sensitive and very complex. Disturbances in the endocrine system can cause serious illnesses or injuries, such as the development of certain forms of cancer (breast cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer), earlier onset of puberty, malformed genitalia, impaired sperm production, obesity, diabetes and behavioural disorders (ADHD). It has been possible to establish that these diseases and injuries have increased in recent years and that the increase cannot be explained by genetic factors alone. "For the first time, the Government is using the Court of Justice of the European Union to hurry up the Commission, which has deliberately dragged its heels. Member States must have the right to prohibit certain endocrine disruptors that affect people's health and involve risks to the environment. We must put our foot down and put pressure on the Commission. Science and health must be paramount," says Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Olsson. Erik Bratthall Press Secretary to Erik Bratthall Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

2 2013 Press release 22 August 2013 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press invitation: Raoul Wallenberg lecture on civil and personal courage and the limits of diplomacy To commemorate Raoul Wallenberg Day, 27 August, the Government is organising a lecture on civil courage, personal courage and the limits of diplomacy. The keynote speaker will be Staffan de Mistura, Ambassador and former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq and Afghanistan. Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson and Minister for Integration Erik Ullenhag will also take part. Time and place Tuesday 27 August 2013, Aulan, Centralposthuset, Mäster Samuelsgatan 70, Stockholm. The Raoul Wallenberg Lecture - Personal courage and bravery - exploring the limits of diplomacy Speakers: Ambassador Staffan de Mistura Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson Minister for Integration Erik Ullenhag Olle Wästberg, the Government's coordinator for the Raoul Wallenberg Year 2012 Participants in the panel debate: Ambassador Diana Janse Ambassador Jörgen Lindström First Secretary Pontus Rosenberg First Secretary Fredrick Lee-Ohlsson Moderator: Lars Weiss, journalist. The lecture will be given in English and broadcast on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs website. As the number of places is limited, advance registration from media representatives is required. Please Karin Nylund at the Press, Information and Communication Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. We look forward to welcoming you. Erik Zsiga Press Secretary to Carl Bildt to Erik Zsiga Karin Nylund Press Officer to Karin Nylund Marie Bendegard Desk Officer

3 24 July 2013 Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson to participate in Baltic Pride On Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July, EU Minister Birgitta Ohlsson will be in Vilnius, Riga, to attend this year's Baltic Pride. Birgitta Ohlsson will give a speech at the opening ceremony, take part in Saturday's Pride Parade, meet with the Lithuanian Gay League and attend the Baltic Pride film festival. Baltic Pride is organised annually in one of the three Baltic states. When Baltic Pride was last held in Vilnius in the spring of 2010, the parade was greeted by thousands of counter-demonstrators, including right-wing extremists. "For me it is extremely important to go back to Vilnius. I was there for the Baltic Pride festival in 2010 and again in 2007 to take part in a European LGBT conference. Pride Parades are a litmus test for freedom and democracy. It should be possible to arrange them in all part of the EU without threats, violence and harassment. Baltic Pride is a celebration of love and human rights," says EU Minister Birgitta Ohlsson. Related More on EU Minister Birgitta Ohlsson During the visit in Vilnius the EU minister will also meet with Lithuanian government ministers as Lithuania is the current holder of the EU Presidency. She will also be visiting the European Institute for Gender Equality and the Family Planning and Sexual Health Association. Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

4 02 May 2013 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Five ministers to take part in the World Economic Forum on Africa On 9-10 May, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, Minister for Finance Anders Borg and Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson will be taking part in the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF) in Cape Town. On 5-12 May, in connection with the WEF, some of the ministers will also visit Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Zimbabwe. The WEF will focus on the conditions for sustaining Africa's strong growth and development. There will be discussions on how politicians and the business community can help to strengthen the macroeconomic outlook, global trade and regional integration, structural reforms, the impact of development assistance and human rights. In Cape Town, the ministers will also have bilateral talks with South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and several other representatives of the South African Government. The visits to the other countries will offer opportunities for high-level meetings, promotional events and strengthening the image of Sweden. Bilateral talks will be held with ministers in these countries. Sweden is interested in supporting and seizing on the new, positive outlook for Africa's development and highlighting the importance of political reforms towards democracy. Sweden's historical and multifaceted ties with many African countries provide a solid foundation for stronger and broader future cooperation. The ministers will be available to answers questions at regular press conferences during the trip. Invitations to these press conferences will be sent separately. : Charlotta Ozaki Macias Head of the Press, Information and Communication Department (MFA-PIK) Caroline Karlsson Press Secretary to Anders Borg Erik Zsiga Press Secretary to Carl Bildt Gustav Ahlsson Political Adviser to Ewa Björling Linnea Hincks Political Adviser to Birgitta Ohlsson

5 2012 Press release 14 November 2012 Provocative cuts in Swedish rebate Comments from Swedish EU-minister Birgitta Ohlsson regarding the revised proposal, presented by the President of the European council, for the next long-term EU budget: - The revised proposal means some small steps in the right direction but it's not enough. We need a clear model for reducing agriculture subsidies. - Europe is at an important crossroads. Our common EU-resources must be put to good use through investments in research, climate and foreign policy. With increased world competition from Asia, Europe needs to get dressed for success. We need a modern outfit fashioned for the future. - Further cuts will still be needed. We have to prioritize. Europe is going through a severe economic crisis. - It is provocative that the value of the Swedish rebate is further reduced, especially so when other member states see their rebates increasing. Sweden cannot accept that the value of our rebate is reduced compared to the current budget. Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

6 30 October 2012 "The EU needs a budget for the future, not for the fifties" Tonight the Presidency proposal for the next long-term EU budget (MFF) came out. Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson comments: - It is unacceptable that the common agriculture policy is protected from cuts. Nearly 40 per cent of the EU budget is still earmarked for the CAP - a sector employing 5 per cent of the labour force and contributing only 1,5 per cent to EU GDP. - In times of austerity, the EU budget must not grow. We need to cut three or four times as much as in this proposal to stabilise member states' contributions. - No deal will be possible on the basis of cuts of only 50 billion euro. - Europe is facing huge challenges. We need to invest in growth in order to compete with the US, China and India. This proposal does the opposite. The largest cuts are made where EU needs to invest - in research, foreign policy and cross-border infrastructure. This budget does not face the future. It follows the fifties. - Sweden cannot accept that the value of our rebate is reduced. Press contact: Linnea Hincks linnea.hincks@gov.se

7 03 October 2012 Swedish Minister for EU Affairs calls banning of Belgrade Pride "deeply troubling" Following the news that Serbian authorities will ban the scheduled Pride Parade in Belgrade, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson, who was to give the keynote speech at the event, provides the following comment: "It is deeply troubling that authorities have banned Belgrade Pride this year too. Pride parades serve as a litmus test for freedom and human rights adherence in Europe. Today, in 2012, the rights of minorities, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly should be guaranteed in countries that are members of the European Union or applying to join. I will still be making an official visit to Belgrade on Friday and Saturday where I will meet directly with LGBT activists but also the Serbian government." Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

8 03 October 2012 Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson to give keynote speech at Belgrade Pride From Thursday 4 October until Saturday 6 October 2012 Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson will be traveling in Montenegro and Serbia. Her schedule includes meetings with the governments of both countries. The main reason for the visit is the two countries' pending EU membership applications but the trip will also focus on the situation for minorities, especially LGBT and Roma communities. Birgitta Ohlsson will be the keynote speaker at Belgrade Pride, which will take place on Saturday 6 October. Previous Pride celebrations in Serbia have been afflicted with violence and unrest. "To me, speaking at Belgrade Pride is an act of solidarity. It is completely unacceptable that people are persecuted and harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Pride parades serve as a litmus test for whether a country lives up to Human Rights obligations," says Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson.

9 28 September 2012 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Fredrik Reinfeldt and Carl Bildt to receive Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi on 1-2 October On 1-2 October, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will receive Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi in Stockholm for talks. Kosovo's EU integration process will be discussed as well as current bilateral issues. Among the political issues, particular focus will be placed on the dialogue with Serbia, EUrelated reforms and the situation in northern Kosovo. The bilateral issues include migration, trade and development cooperation. Prime Minister Thaçi's delegation will include Minister of Foreign Affairs Enver Hoxhaj and Minister of European Integration Vlora Çitaku. This is the first official visit from Kosovo to Sweden at prime ministerial level and the programme also includes meetings with the Speaker of the Riksdag, Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Programme points Monday 1 October Press conference at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs with Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt. Monday 1 October at Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg. Please prior notification of attendance to: pressrummet@foreign.ministry.se Valid press credentials are required. Tuesday 2 October Photo opportunity: Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt to receive Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi. Tuesday 2 October at N.B. Assembly for photographers, Rosenbad, entry via Kopparporten no later than Please prior notification of attendance to: pressrummet@foreign.ministry.se Valid press credentials are required. Please be punctual! Roberta Alenius Presschef hos Fredrik Reinfeldt Markus Friberg Press Secretary to Fredrik Reinfeldt to Markus Friberg Anders Jörle Director Press Section MFA to Anders Jörle

10 21 June 2012 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Bildt and Ohlsson to attend EU meeting in Luxembourg - human rights, multiannual financial framework and enlargement On June Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson will travel to Luxembourg to participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council. The foreign ministers are to adopt a declaration and an action plan on human rights and democracy. In addition, discussions are expected on developments in Syria and Egypt and on ongoing talks on Iran's nuclear programme. At the General Affairs Council, Ms Ohlsson will take part in discussions on the EU's multiannual financial framework and on preparations for the EU summit later in the week, while Mr Bildt will participate in discussions on EU enlargement. Human Rights The Foreign Affairs Council on 25 June is expected to adopt Council conclusions on the EU's strategic framework on human rights and democracy. The purpose of the framework is to give democracy and human rights a greater place in development policy. The action plan covers around 90 measures. The Council will also decide on a mandate for a special EU human rights representative. Human rights are at the heart of Swedish foreign policy. The Government is driving to give human rights an even stronger influence on EU external policy. Syria, Iran and Egypt Syria, Iran and Egypt are other points on the foreign ministers' agenda. The latest developments in Syria are very alarming. The discussion will focus on future EU action, in particular possible further restrictive measures targeting the Syrian regime. In response to Iran's nuclear technology programme, the Council will discuss the embargo on imports of oil from Iran and the ongoing dialogue with Iran on its nuclear technology programme. EU summit, multiannual financial framework and enlargement At the General Affairs Council on 26 June, Ms Ohlsson will participate in the preparations for the EU summit in Brussels on June and in a debate on the EU's multiannual financial framework for In the enlargement area, Mr Bildt will participate in a discussion on the European Commission's progree report on Montenegro and on the situation for Macedonia. Press conference A press conference will be held after the meeting in the Swedish briefing room in the Council building. Sara Keusen Political Adviser to Sara Keusen Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

11 2011 Press release 09 December 2011 Ministry of Justice Government action plan against violent extremism On 9 December, the minister responsible for democracy issues, Birgitta Ohlsson, presented the Government's action plan to protect democracy against violent extremism. The action plan consists of 15 measures and SEK 62 million is being set aside in to strengthen preventive work. The Government's initiatives against violent extremism, including several inquiries, were launched during the previous term of office. "I am proud to present the first Swedish action plan against violent extremism. We must defend the cornerstones of democracy, including the rule of law, freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights," says Birgitta Ohlsson, the minister responsible for democracy issues. "The Nordic countries are not immune to acts of violent extremism motivated by political, religious or ideological beliefs. In Sweden, the preventive measures aimed at young people in particular must be strengthened. This is one of the pillars of the action plan," says Birgitta Ohlsson. "Our efforts to combat extremism need a broad and comprehensive approach. This is also a task for society as a whole. Our common security calls for joint responsibility," concludes Birgitta Ohlsson. Aims of the action plan: 1. Enhance awareness of democratic values 2. Increase knowledge of violent extremism 3. Strengthen the structures for collaboration 4. Prevent individuals from joining violent extremist groups and support defectors 5. Eliminate the breeding grounds of ideologically motivated violence 6. Deepen international cooperation The 15 action plan measures: Support to civil society organisations for activities that strengthen the democratic values of young people (National Board for Youth Affairs) Broader dialogue with faith communities on democracy promotion work (Swedish Commission for Government Support to Faith Communities) Spreading of methods and training material to strengthen the democratic values of young people (Living History Forum) Inquiry on initiatives to combat xenophobia and similar forms of intolerance Spreading of knowledge and methods concerning radicalisation to professional groups that may come into contact with extremism (Inquiry ) Study on how young people can be steeled and protected against the influence of anti-democratic messages via the Internet (Swedish Media Council) Special knowledge-enhancing initiatives for children and young people to combat anti-semitism and Islamophobia Multidisciplinary research on democracy (Swedish Research Council) Collaboration on preventive work to combat violent extremism at local level (Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) Support to civil society organisations or activities for defectors (National Board for Youth Affairs) Survey of threats and violence against elected representatives (Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention) Study on the conditions for elected representatives (Statistics Sweden) Study on preventive methods in other countries (Swedish National Defence College) Greater international cooperation against radicalisation Spreading of examples of successful methods to prevent violent right-wing extremism in the EU Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

12 08 December 2011 Ministry of Justice Presentation of the Government's action plan against violent extremism At on Friday 9 December, Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson will present the 'Action plan to protect democracy against violent extremism'. Time and place Friday 9 December at Press room, Rosenbad (entry via Kopparporten) Language: Swedish. Please arrive in good time. Please bring your press credentials. We look forward to seeing you there. Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

13 12 September 2011 A leaner yet sharper budget for the European Union On the initiative of the Swedish Minister of EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson, eight Ministers of EU Affairs gathered to discuss the possibility of a common ground regarding the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The Ministers, who represented three fifths of the EU's total population, agreed to send a clear message to the European Commission and the other member states. The core of the message is that the level of the Commissions proposal is too high and must be reduced. The budget must not increase the member states' fees. - In the middle of the European debt crisis, it is important that the Union embraces real reforms, not relabeling of expenditure areas. We need to spend better, not spend more, says Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson. - Politics is not only about making wishes, but also about making priorities. The taxpayers have the right to demand responsibility. Each and every euro must contribute to strengthen our competitiveness, concludes Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson. Linnea Hincks to Linnea Hincks

14 29 June 2011 Ohlsson: "A swelling EU budget without downscaling" The European Commission today presented its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the years The proposal is meant to increase the budget by approximately 7 per cent compared to the present MFF. "The Commission has presented a budget level that is too high. It is a budget proposal based on the needs of the 1950s. This will lead to complicated negotiations," says Birgitta Ohlsson, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs. "It is positive that the Commission proposes increased spending on research and development, infrastructure, justice and home affairs, and external action. But these increases must be financed by corresponding reductions in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Cohesion Policy. Not through a swelling EU budget," says Mrs Ohlsson. External links More information about the EU budget at europa.eu "The Commission also proposes a substantial reduction of the Swedish rebate. This would result in a substantial increase of the Swedish contribution to the EU budget. Since the Commission does not propose any cuts in the CAP or the Cohesion Policy, we are opposed to an increased contribution," says Mrs Ohlsson. "When Europe is facing a crisis, the EU must be realistic. The Union should act as a role model for those Member States that are now implementing major austerity and reform packages," says Mrs Ohlsson. Simon Hedlin Larsson Press secretary to Birgitta Ohlsson to Simon Hedlin Larsson

15 12 January 2011 Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs to honour Raoul Wallenberg On Thursday 13 January, Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson will be visiting Budapest. At 14.15, Ms Ohlsson will place flowers at the Wallenberg memorial in Szent István Park, District XIII. "In Europe today we are seeing increasing anti-semitism, oppression of Roma and discrimination of minorities, all of which is contrary to the EU's value of liberty. It therefore feels especially important to honour Raoul Wallenberg here this year, when Hungary, in its role of holder of the Presidency of the EU, has chosen to tackle a number of challenges concerning human rights. Not least when it comes to the situation of the Roma," says Ms Ohlsson. Related More about Raoul Wallenberg Next year marks the 100th anniversary of Raoul Wallenberg's birth. His anniversary will be marked in various ways by the Swedish Government. The media is invited to attend the visit to the Wallenberg memorial and time has been allocated for interviews. If you wish to attend the event, please contact Erik Rehó, Policy Officer at the Embassy of Sweden, tel: Magnus Simonsson

16 2010 Press release 15 December 2010 Press conference on violent Islamist extremism On Wednesday 15 December, Director-General of the Swedish Security Service Anders Danielsson will present a report entitled "Violent Islamist Extremism in Sweden" to the minister responsible for democracy issues, Birgitta Ohlsson. The occasion will be marked with a press conference presenting the report. Time and place Time: Wednesday 15 December at Place: Bella Venezia, Rosenbad 4, Stockholm Webcast The press conference will be attended by Ms Ohlsson, Mr Danielsson and Malena Rembe, chief analyst at the Swedish Security Service's Counter- Terrorism Unit. In February this year, the Government instructed the Swedish Security Service to prepare a report on violent Islamist extremism in Sweden. The report describes: 1. violent Islamist extremism in Sweden; 2. the radicalisation process that can be identified in violent Islamist environments in Sweden; and 3. the tools and strategies that can be used to counteract radicalisation. Please arrive in good time and use the Kopparporten entrance. Press credentials are required. Clarification: For questions concerning ongoing Swedish Security Service investigations into suspected terrorist offences, we refer you to the press conference to be held by the Swedish Security Service on Thursday 16 December. Information on the time and place for this press conference will be published on the Swedish Security Service's website: We look forward to seeing you. Magnus Simonsson

17 05 October 2010 Sweden's new government Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has appointed the following government ministers today, 5 October 2010 Ministers and their press contacts are listed below. For new ministers, the press contact given is temporary and applies until further notice. Prime Minister: Fredrik Reinfeldt Roberta Alenius Markus Nordström Minister for EU Affairs: Birgitta Ohlsson Jenny Sonesson Minister for Justice: Beatrice Ask Martin Valfridsson Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy: Tobias Billström Markus Friberg Minister for Foreign Affairs: Carl Bildt Irena Busic Minister for International Development Cooperation: Gunilla Carlsson Peter Larsson Minister for Trade: Ewa Björling Monica Ohlsson Minister for Defence: Sten Tolgfors Mikael Östlund Minister for Health and Social Affairs: Göran Hägglund Petra Kjellarsson Minister for Children and the Elderly: Maria Larsson

18 Niclas Thorselius Minister for Public Administration and Housing: Stefan Attefall Martin Kits Minister for Social Security: Ulf Kristersson Niclas Bengtsson Minister for Finance: Anders Borg Daniel Valiollahi Minister for Financial Markets: Peter Norman Anna Charlotta Johansson Minister for Education and Deputy Prime Minister: Jan Björklund Camilla Hansson Minister for Gender Equality (Deputy Minister for Education): Nyamko Sabuni Yoav Bartal Minister for Rural Affairs: Eskil Erlandsson Anna-Karin Nyman Minister for the Environment: Andreas Carlgren Lennart Bodén Minister for Enterprise and Energy: Maud Olofsson Håkan Lind Minister for Information Technology and Regional Affairs (Deputy Minister for Enterprise): Anna-Karin Hatt Frank Nilsson Minister for Communications: Catharina Elmsäter-Svärd Markus Sjöqvist Minister for Culture and Sport: Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth Sara Bengtsson

19 Minister for Employment: Hillevi Engström Sebastian Carlsson Minister for Integration (Deputy Minister for Employment): Erik Ullenhag Anna Neuman Roberta Alenius Presschef hos Fredrik Reinfeldt Markus Nordström Press Secretary to Fredrik Reinfeldt to Markus Nordström