Your Majesties,
Your Royal Highness,
Excellencies and dear colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen
"The Country I know best" – That is how we Commissioners normally refer to our home countries, in respect of the task to always firsthand see to Europe's interests.
But today I say proudly to my colleagues: WELCOME TO SWEDEN!!!
In the north where:
the sun shines also at night;
grown- up people drink medium-fat milk;
we have an astronaut;
in our Parliament they do not boo each other; and where
we call the summer "unnecessarily beautiful" in the region I come from
We are of course entirely unique – and so generous that we admit that so are you in the other EU countries as well!
"In Sweden we have a system": this is the way they jokingly say we Swedes usually humbly start our interventions. And then we list the political issues where there is a broad consensus and which we are quite happy to market:
e quality, of course;
democracy and openness (that work has to continue at EU level) ; and
sustainable development – with climate change as the ultimate test of our resolve and co-operation.
But Sweden is also a small and export dependent country and I know we need each other:
Our EU shall do the right things – and in the right way: equally, attentively, openly and democratically.
My 10 years as Commissioner draws to a close in a few months' time during a Swedish Presidency and with a public opinion that has become clearly supportive of the EU co-operation.
I want to hand over a small and inviting gift to Fredrik Reinfeldt and José Manuel Barroso. It is a fiery cross made in Dalecarlia, symbolising a visionary leadership for sustainable development. This is a mix between an old tradition in the Swedish region Dalarna, where a fiery cross is handed over to the next generation, and an ancient belief of the Native Indians that in your decision you should think 7 generations ahead. In the middle of it is the earth. One side represents seven generations before us, whose decisions and deeds have shaped the existence in which we live today. Inside there is a small note with wise words written down, such as global picture, justice, cautionary principle, long-term and love. The other side represents the next seven generations. The small note inside is empty and for you to fill in.
Thank you – and good luck!
