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Overview

Capital: Stockholm

Official EU language(s): Swedish

EU member country: since 1 January 1995

Currency: Swedish krona SEK. Sweden has committed the euro once it fulfils the necessary conditions.

SchengenSchengen area member since 25 March 2001

FiguresGeographical size - population - gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS

Political system

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the monarch. The government exercises executive power. Legislative power is vested in the single-chamber parliament. Sweden is a unitary state, divided into 20 counties and 290 municipalities.

Location on the EU map

Trade and economy

The most important sectors of Sweden’s economy in 2020 were public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (21.6%), industry (17.1%) and wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (16.6%).

Intra-EU trade accounts for 52% of Sweden’s exports (Germany 11%, Denmark 8% and Finland  7%), while outside the EU 11% go to Norway and 8% to the United States.

In terms of imports, 68% come from EU countries (Germany 18%, the Netherlands 10% and Denmark 7%), while outside the EU 9% come from Norway and 6% from China.

Sweden in the EU

European Parliament

There are 21 members of the European Parliament from Sweden. Find out who these MEPs are.

European Parliament office in Sweden

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Swedish government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

Dates of Swedish presidencies:

Jan-Jun 2001 | Jul-Dec 2009 | Jan-Jun 2023

Presidency of the Council of the EU

Current presidency of the Council of the EU

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by Sweden to the European Commission is Ylva Johansson, who is responsible for Home Affairs.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

Commission representation in Sweden

European Economic & Social Committee

Sweden has 12 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

European Committee of the Regions

Sweden has 12 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

Sweden also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Sweden's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does Sweden pay and receive?

How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa.

The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole.

Figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:

EU-funded projects in Sweden

The money paid into the EU budget by Sweden helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.

Find out more about how Sweden benefits from EU funding.