A new Swedish EU Commissioner is soon to be appointed. Could it be EU Minister Jessika Roswall, a former Prime Minister or KD leader Ebba Busch?
So far, the answer only exists in Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's head.
As usual, Brussels is abuzz with rumours when it comes to top jobs. Here's a taste of which Swedes are being talked about as the new Commissioner.
EU Minister Jessika Roswall (M), a familiar face since Sweden held the EU presidency in the spring of 2023.
Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M), is thought to have done a good job with the EU's migration pact during Sweden's presidency. But Sweden is unlikely to get migration issues again.
EU Parliamentarian Tomas Tobé (M), negotiated a significant part of the migration pact on behalf of the Parliament.
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M), a name that has surfaced recently.
Trade and Development Minister Johan Forssell (M), particularly if Sweden gets trade or competition issues, known since the EU presidency.
Former Prime and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (M), is always mentioned on lists of Swedish politicians.
The Moderate Party's party secretary, former Defence Minister Karin Enström, is mentioned by Moderates at home.
Former Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt (M), has a large network, which could give him a heavy portfolio. But Reinfeldt is controversial within the Moderate Party.
Business and Energy Minister Ebba Busch (KD), but will the Moderates relinquish the top post to the KD? Reinfeldt did appoint Cecilia Malmström (L) after all.
Thriving in the EU
In late May, Ebba Busch was asked if she wanted to become an EU Commissioner by TT and SR reporters in Brussels.
I think it's incredibly important to have EU cooperation and I thrive on the craftsmanship that is involved in ministerial meetings, but I'm extremely grateful to be the leader of the KD and feel that I have a lot left to do in Sweden, said Busch then.
It's clear that Sweden's current Commissioner, Social Democrat Ylva Johansson, must step down in the autumn. Although Ulf Kristersson appreciates her work as responsible for the EU's migration policy, he wants to replace her. Never before has a Swedish EU Commissioner been a Moderate.
Swedish Wish List
When the Commission's areas of responsibility are to be distributed, competitiveness, trade, expansion, and migration usually top Sweden's wish list. Economically heavy portfolios are ruled out, since Sweden is not part of the eurozone.
So what does the requirement list for an EU Commissioner look like?
Ideally, ministerial experience – the heavier the minister, the greater the chance of a heavy portfolio – a broad network and skilled negotiator. It doesn't hurt if the person is comfortable speaking English and preferably several languages.
Maria Davidsson/TT
Facts: Sweden's Previous EU Commissioners/Timetable?
Since Sweden joined the EU in 1995, all Swedish EU Commissioners have been women:
1995-99 Anita Gradin (S): Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner.
1999-2004 Margot Wallström (S): Environment Commissioner.
2004-2010 Margot Wallström: Vice President and responsible for institutional relations and communication.
2010-2014 Cecilia Malmström (L): Home Affairs Commissioner.
2014-2019 Cecilia Malmström: Trade Commissioner.
2019-2024 Ylva Johansson (S): Home Affairs Commissioner.
The Commission consists of one member from each of the 27 member states. The Commissioners do not represent their own countries but are supposed to work for the best interests of the entire EU.
The Commission President decides which area of responsibility they will get.
The Commissioner is nominated by the government, usually sometime during late summer. First, however, the EU Commission President must be elected.
