Czech Republic's 6 months at the steering wheel of the Council of the European Union has officially come to an end as Sweden took over this important role on January 1, 2023. However, a nice tradition has born here in Tallinn to organize a symbolic handing over of the Presidency status on this occasion. 

The event was attended by representatives of the embassies of the EU located in Tallinn, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Estonian representation of the European Commission and the Riigikogu. Ambassador David Král stated in his address that during the Presidency, the Czech Republic was navigating through very difficult times but managed to do quite well –  keeping the unity of Member States and reaching the decisions that were in favour of the citizens, especially in the energy area.

The Swedish Ambassador Ingrid Tersman, while taking over the baton, thanked the Czech Republic for the successful work and promised that Sweden will continue to lead the EU in these very turbulent and serious times. She emphasized that Sweden will aim at keeping Ukraine and the security for the EU at the top of their agenda. Ambassador Tersman expressed hope that Sweden can continue the support at the high level for Ukraine and also work on issues such as concluding the Green Deal and Fit for 55, so keeping the European future in mind.  

We wish Sweden a lot of strength and success for the next six months to lead Europe through these difficult times.