Text: Stefania Gheorghe

In the first half of 2023, Sweden holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Sweden's four priorities in the Council are: 

• Security - unity;
• Competitiveness;
• Green and energy transition;
• Democratic values and the rule of law – our fundamentals.

Sweden wants to ensure, throughout its presidency, the implementation The Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in External Action (part of Gender Action Plan III). 

"Work to combat men's violence against women and intimate partner violence against women is important."

Sweden is also committed to ensuring that the European Union ratifies The Istanbul Convention (on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence).

Sources: @femeiinpolitica

Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU: 1 January – 30 June 2023

Photo source: Photo by Markus Spiske Mr Unsplash