“This State visit reflects our desire, which took shape in 2017, to build a stronger European sovereignty and develop more solid relationships with each Member State in our Europe. The purpose here is to serve not only our mutual interests, obviously, but also a European project that, in the context of the world as a whole, gives us alone a position to protect ourselves and build our future. And this involves considerable effort on our part and the need to find new paths.”
These words were spoken by French President Emmanuel Macron in his address to the French community in Sweden. His speech took place in a wider context: the State visit to Sweden from January 30 to 31, 2024. This was the first time a French president had made an official visit to Sweden since Jacques Chirac. François Mitterrand also made a visit in 1984, as did Raymond Poincaré in 1914. This trip to the Far North was an opportunity for the current President to emphasise the importance of the two countries’ many ties. France and Sweden are united by economic, cultural and historical affinities.
In a world that has become tense and uncertain with the weakening of the United States of America (USA) and the rise of the BRICS, France and above all the European Union now have an opportunity to strengthen their geopolitical position. And with the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024, the topic of European cooperation will be central to discussions this year. Lastly, with France and Germany constantly divorcing and never seeming to remarry, it would be strategic for France to diversify its partnerships within the Union, and Sweden appears the ideal candidate.
The aim of this paper is to answer the following question: How would a special relationship between France and Sweden strengthen European cooperation?
Recommendations regarding the Franco-Swedish relationship
- Continuing and strengthening the partnership in security, and especially in the fight against terrorism.
- Continuing and strengthening the partnership in the defence industry.
- Continuing and strengthening the partnership in the space industry.
- Building a partnership in the nuclear sector.
- Continuing and strengthening the partnership in new digital technologies.
- Continuing and strengthening the partnership in culture, education and languages.
- An opportunity of cooperation to be seized with both hands.
The analysis is available for download
