Response to interpellation 2024/25:348 on cohesion and democracy in the EU
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
M believes that the member states' respect for freedom, democracy, and human rights is a prerequisite for the EU to function. M wants that no EU funds should go to those who disregard the rule of law principle and wants to link these principles to every crown paid out from the EU budget 1 2. M emphasizes the importance of independent media and that platforms have a responsibility to ensure that disinformation does not take root 2. S argues that the EU should be a union of democracies 3 and that more powerful measures are required to improve democratic deficiencies 3 4. S wants the EU to guarantee the citizens' security 4. S believes that Sweden should push the Commission to review EU laws that are challenged 5.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Statsrådet Jessica Rosencrantz (M)
Madam Speaker! She has asked me in what way I have acted to protect Swedish interests and the EU's democracy in light of the increased presence of right-wing nationalist and populist forces in the EU that do not favor EU cooperation. She also wants to know what measures I intend to take to protect the democracy of the EU and, in the long run, facilitate for the EU to make important decisions. Finally, Matilda Ernkrans asks what initiatives can be expected from me to protect citizens, journalists, prosecutors, and other individuals who are hit hard by the authoritarian tendencies in the EU's member states.
Let me begin by saying that the member states' respect for freedom, democracy, and human rights is a prerequisite for the EU to function. All members have voluntarily committed themselves to upholding these fundamental EU values, which include the principles of the rule of law. Reality shows that active efforts were still needed to defend them. As an EU minister, I have a special responsibility to ensure that we, from the Swedish side, provide a full contribution to that.
We have different tools, and fundamental is the ongoing rule of law dialogue, which involves the Commission and all Member States. It is based on the annual rule of law report, which the Commission prepares with contributions from the governments but also from civil society organizations. Within the framework of the dialogue, we must all – regardless of how well we ourselves believe it works in our own country – at regular intervals submit to review and questioning by our ministerial colleagues in the Council. It is a good arrangement that emphasizes that the rule of law is a common responsibility for all Member States.
From a Swedish perspective, it is natural in this context to emphasize the importance of independent free media and media pluralism. Media issues also belong to the aspects that are given significant space both in the annual report and in the inquiries. At the General Council's meeting on January 28, I had the opportunity to directly discuss the situation for media in Hungary with my Hungarian colleague and underline the importance of independent journalism for a functioning democracy.
The EU has a significant budget and allocates substantial funds to the member states. An effective tool is therefore to ensure that no EU funds go to those who disregard the rule of law principle and other fundamental values. We have come a good way on that path with the help of the general conditionality regulation and other instruments. Together with my Finnish EU colleague, I have urged the new Commission to work towards making the system comprehensive. This has received a good response both from colleagues in the Council and from within the Commission.
The Government will also ensure that Sweden remains an active party in the Article 7 procedures that the Council handles and that we participate in principally important cases in the European Court of Justice that are of importance for the protection of democracy.
A future expansion is an investment in our own security and in our prosperity. At the same time, the candidate countries' approach towards the EU begins and ends with the protection of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. As an EU minister, I work intensively on the EU's future issues, which in large part are about the EU being able to function effectively with more member states.
Apart from major policy areas such as agriculture and cohesion and how the EU budget should be designed, it goes without saying that the EU's ability to make decisions is an important aspect. There are good reasons for unanimity as a decision-making model in the relatively few areas where it applies today, but in some cases there is reason for reform, for example regarding decisions on EU positions on human rights in international forums. In addition, the problems that it entails that sanction decisions need to be covered by unanimity is a current experience, and the government supports a change in that area.
Alongside all of this, much work is ongoing, and we are awaiting a number of initiatives from the Commission that relate to the need to defend democracy and our cohesion. These are issues that engage the entire government, while our division of labor is such that ministers responsible for a policy area also handle the EU issues contained therein.
Matilda Ernkrans (S)
Madam Speaker! The EU shall be a union of democracies. When we look out over Europe today, we see that there are forces that do not want the EU.
In the discussion on democracy and the principles of the rule of law in the EU, we often speak of Orbán, his party Fidesz, and the right-wing nationalist government in Hungary, which has seized a stranglehold. The Hungarian government, through its leadership, has shown that it does not hesitate to put spokes in the wheels when it comes to support for Ukraine. They legitimize authoritarian leaders in China and Russia, and they block sanctions against Russia that would have been effective in the work against Russia's warfare against Ukraine and Europe.
It is not only Orbán's Hungary that creates concern. Every year, the EU Commission publishes its annual rule of law report, and in the 2024 rule of law report, we could read about, among other things, Italy, which has received extensive criticism. The far-reaching restrictions on freedom of the press have led the state public service company to describe a suffocating control from the government, and journalists who have criticized the government are being sued. The independence of prosecutors from politics is being questioned, and the nationalist Meloni government has abolished laws that, according to international conventions, are central to anti-corruption work. Experts still describe the level of corruption in Italy as high.
Another example is the populist and nationalist government in Slovakia. The rule of law report describes a great concern over the rule of law situation there. It describes that journalists' safety is threatened, that media pluralism is lacking, and that the government has abolished a special prosecutor's office that has worked against corruption and economic crime.
It is therefore clear that the principles of the rule of law and democracy are failing in several places in the EU's union and also in countries other than those we usually discuss. It is a problem not only for Europe's countries but also for individual individuals who are prosecuted, threatened, abused, and lose their jobs. Ultimately, these authoritarian tendencies affect people at an individual level and result in personal tragedies.
One of the countries that was previously up for discussion in this area was Poland. There, the EU was very clear in its criticism. But now Poland has shown that change is possible: Poland and the conservative Prime Minister Donald Tusk have now stopped the previous right-wing nationalist government's dismantling of democracy as well as the restriction of the media and the independence of rule-of-law authorities. They have turned Poland in a more democratic direction.
Poland has also taken on the leadership role to build a stronger and more resilient Europe in a restless time. More leaders could have chosen to do as Donald Tusk did. It would have made it possible for the EU as a collective to make important decisions to uphold security, democracy, and respect for the principles of the rule of law.
The European Commission has a crucial role in driving the work for a safer and more democratic Europe. Here, the Minister has a chance, as the minister responsible for EU issues in the Swedish government, to help push forward to protect democracy in Europe. I therefore wonder: How will the Minister push the Commission and follow up on its work to increase the pace and improve the democratic deficiencies we can read about in the rule of law report for 2024?
Statsrådet Jessica Rosencrantz (M)
Madam Speaker! I thank Matilda Ernkrans for the questions. I cannot agree enough that our European Union is not just a geographical union. We are a union built on common values and principles that we must guard every day in our work.
I am proud that we in Sweden and in this chamber stand very united on such a fundamental issue as democracy and the rule of law. It is a statement of strength, because just as the member is touching upon, the world outside us—not least outside the EU—is not nearly as united on the merits of democracy. We see how Putin and the Russian regime do everything to sow doubt and undermine, oppose, and in other ways suppress every democratic expression. The rule of law has been deliberately dismantled, the right of the strongest prevails, and corruption is the means of power.
I completely agree that we in Europe cannot, and also must not, breathe a sigh of relief. Democracy presupposes a constant and robust defensive work.
In my previous answer, I described some of the different parts of this work that fall upon me as EU Minister. Let me, in response to the member's question, further emphasize the importance of this work.
I participate regularly and actively in the ongoing rule of law dialogue. This is fundamentally a tool for member states to evaluate one another and exchange experiences, highlight deficiencies, or showcase good examples. One can certainly have a variety of different opinions on how this dialogue functions, but it is an important dialogue. The fact that member states can raise democracy and rule of law issues with one another in an orderly fashion is a strength. It is also our way of monitoring what the development looks like in the different member countries. As I was mentioning earlier, at the last Council meeting, I had reason to ask quite clear and sharp questions to – and have a dialogue with – my Hungarian colleague, not least linked to issues concerning media freedom.
Another aspect is the negotiations on the EU budget, which also fall within my area of responsibility as EU Minister. That the principles of the rule of law lie as a foundation for all payments is a self-evident matter for the government. Therefore, together with Finland, we took an initiative aimed at strengthening that connection in the next budget, in more ways than what applies today. It is positive in this context that the commissioner responsible for the budget has received a clear mandate to explore this. I have had personal conversations with both the Commission and colleagues about this, and I assess that there is broad support for this idea. The government will, of course, continue to work for this.
Sweden is also a strong and consistent voice for the principles of the rule of law and democracy in the various negotiations of the Court of Justice of the European Union. I can assure the Chamber that both I myself and the many highly competent staff members at the Government Offices are working very purposefully with all of this. It is, as I said initially, a testament to our strength that we in this Chamber also agree on the importance of this work. Our union rests, as said, not only on geographical borders but ultimately on principles of democracy and the rule of law, and we must stand guard over that.
Matilda Ernkrans (S)
Madam Speaker! I thank the Minister for the answer.
It is good that the Minister agrees with me on the importance of upholding democratic and legal principles in the EU. If the Minister feels that she needs more support to significantly increase the pace in the continued work, that is something we are happy to provide support for; I want to be very clear about that. Much has been done, but my point is that more needs to be done. These issues must be driven with full force.
In a restless time characterized by war and conflict, it is important that we can guarantee the security and safety for EU citizens in our union. Deficiencies in the principles of the rule of law and oppression from national governments of journalists, prosecutors, and judges is, as said, a matter of safety and security. This also applies to those EU citizens who are affected by arbitrary decisions from authorities and courts and political propaganda through state news channels.
The rule of law reports have shown that there is a need for more to be done. I mean that it is the responsibility of the Council of State, as a minister in a country that has a long tradition of standing up for the principles of the rule of law and democracy, to vigorously drive the issue in an EU context and do more. The EU must in all parts be a union of democracies. Within the EU cooperation, we must be able to guarantee our citizens that there is reliability and that in all EU member states there is a fair judiciary that is free from political influence. We must be able to guarantee that there are media that are allowed to scrutinize power critically.
Mr. Speaker, the EU's internal democratic status is also affected from the outside and by things that occur outside of Europe. One of the world's currently most controversial men, Elon Musk, uses digital platforms to spread messages that pit group against group and has a very divisive rhetoric.
Today marks one week since the horrific mass shooting in Örebro. Even though we do not yet know the motive - the police must be allowed to continue their investigation - we can see who was murdered. We know that nothing good comes from pitting group against group or from inciting and hating. We must put a stop to that.
Musk has shown particular support for, for example, the right-wing nationalist Alternative for Germany. It is election time in Germany, and it is now being discussed whether Musk has committed a crime against EU laws regarding the protection of member states' electoral processes within the framework of the Digital Services Act.
The need for robustness and stability in Europe's democratic and legal systems is greater than ever. To withstand external influence, it is required that the judiciary, the media, and the democratic institutions are strong. The democratic status in the EU's member states concerns us all, and both Sweden and other countries must push to do more and ensure that the Commission now applies its own laws to protect citizens also on digital platforms. It is the people in the EU's member states who are to decide the outcome in democratic elections, not the world's richest and most controversial man from the other side of the Atlantic. He does not build community for anyone.
In light of this, I want to say the following once again: If it is the case that the Council of State and the Government feel that they need more support in a more fundamental way - in action and not just in words - to be a driving force in the EU to push forward and uphold the EU's laws to protect democracy in the EU, we want to give all our support to this.
Statsrådet Jessica Rosencrantz (M)
Madam Speaker! I thank Matilda Ernkrans for the support. I can assure the members that Sweden and I, as a government minister, am a strong voice in all EU contexts to further strengthen the principles of the rule of law. If anything, it is Sweden that is at the forefront in this, not least ahead of upcoming budget negotiations. Sweden may want to go further than all other countries and wants very clearly—and in all parts—to link requirements for the principles of the rule of law to every single krona paid out from the EU budget.
I think it is absolutely excellent that we agree on this. As has been said, there is every reason for those of us who truly stand up for these principles to stand united. The world outside looks the way it does, and there are many who rather try to dismantle this.
Let me, in connection with what the member raised, state that freedom of speech applies to me, to member Ernkrans, and of course also to a person like Elon Musk. At the same time, we all have a responsibility not to spread incorrect or misleading information. As a minister, I am naturally extra cautious when it comes to commenting on other countries' elections. I believe, fundamentally, that everyone needs to be, for obvious reasons.
It is, of course, the Commission that has the task of ensuring that EU law, including the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, is complied with. Ultimately, I therefore need to leave it to the Commission to make that assessment.
When it comes to the question of how we should approach the large platforms online, Sweden was one of the countries that was driving to establish an order that means that what is illegal offline is also illegal online. Platforms have a responsibility to ensure that disinformation or other influence campaigns targeting our democracy and our rule of law do not gain a foothold. This is a self-evident matter and something that the government is actively working on in various contexts.
To return to what is being done otherwise, I can state that there are now reasons to note many of the Commission's various initiatives. The Government is, of course, very active in the work. The Commission has long been active when it comes to the principles of the rule of law. In 2020, the action plan for European democracy was presented. In 2023, the package for the defense of democracy was presented.
As part of the Commission's political guidelines for the newly commenced mandate period, Ursula von der Leyen has now announced a project for European democratic defense. According to our understanding, it will include joint work against undue influence and manipulation of information. We believe that the Commission has drawn a great deal of inspiration from the work against disinformation that the Psychological Defence Agency carries out in close cooperation with other relevant Swedish authorities.
When it comes to legislation, I would like to particularly highlight three legal acts that are to contribute to protecting democracy.
Firstly, I want to mention the DSA, Digital Services Act, which we were discussing earlier. The DSA is about imposing requirements on digital platforms to assess and manage risks of disinformation and ensuring that algorithms are not used in a manipulative way. Secondly, we have the regulation on political advertising, which is intended to make it easier for voters to understand what is political advertising and who is behind it. Finally, we have the European Media Freedom Act, which is set to begin being applied in August. Here, for the first time, we are taking a joint approach to the issue of protecting the diversity and independence of media services.
So, there is no silver bullet in this context. No single reform will solve this, but we do continuous and tireless work together every day within the member states, between the member states and in dialogue with the Commission and the EU's other institutions to truly secure the principles of the rule of law.
Matilda Ernkrans (S)
Madam Speaker! Sweden has a long tradition of strong work for democracy and the principles of the rule of law, so it is good if we can inspire others in the same. But it is important, not least for the trust in EU cooperation and for the security of EU citizens, that Sweden pushes the Commission to review an EU law that is challenged. The EU can enact many fancy laws but must also be prepared to follow them and review them when they are challenged, even when it is by one of the world's richest and most controversial men acting in harmony with the newly elected US president. For the trust in the EU, we must dare to stand up for this.
The Swedish-Finnish initiative to write letters to the Commission was wise and good. But for the trust in Sweden's work, it is important that the Minister follows up on where each letter goes and where the initiative lands. Right now, it seems to have disappeared in the EU's bureaucracy, which, if so, would be unfortunate. Letters and initiatives in all their glory, but one must also put force behind the words and ensure that it also becomes action.
Once again: If needed, we give the government all our support for a stronger effort to protect democracy in the EU and for the EU's citizens.
Statsrådet Jessica Rosencrantz (M)
Madam Speaker! There is no reason to pretend that we are of different opinions here in the speaker's chairs. It is extremely important that we work to strengthen the principles of the rule of law every day. Sweden is regarded as a model in this regard, and we are constantly pushing the work forward.
Just a week ago, I had a meeting with the responsible commissioner for budget issues and then raised the question of the link between the principles of the rule of law and all EU funds. It is evident that there is support to move in this direction, and here is a mandate to the responsible commissioner to specifically explore this path - this is to take a concrete example where I have good hopes that we can move in this direction.
I share the view that these questions are extremely important both within the union and for all countries knocking on the EU's door and wanting to become members. Already at this stage, we see how they are subjected to extensive disinformation campaigns and hybrid attacks. It is extremely important that we also help these countries to manage this, because we can expect that the attacks and threats will become even greater the closer they get to the EU. We saw it in Moldova's presidential election and referendum on the EU, and we will see it in more places, not least how Russia's hybrid attacks are intensified.
We will definitely have reason to return to these issues, even though we work on them actively every day. But it is as is known that peace and freedom must be won every day both in our union and in the countries that wish to approach the cooperation.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.