Igor Kuznetsov – September 3, 2021
Sweden has often been called “non-aligned in the name only” due to its growing cooperation with NATO, despite not formally joining the treaty. Calls to formalise the relationship are heard every now and then, spurred by the current situation.
Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist has once again re-affirmed Swedish scepticism toward a united EU force, which has been floated anew in the wake of the Afghanistan crisis.
Among others, the idea of creating a large-scale European task force has been suggested by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, to the joy of the French, as President Macron has repeatedly advocated for a “true European army”.
By contrast, Hultqvist has been more reserved about the proposal.
“I don’t see that as the main line for solving these problems,” Peter Hultqvist told Swedish Radio.
Instead, the defence minister lifted up cooperation with the US and the transatlantic link as crucial for Europe’s defence.
“This link must hold because it is very important for the balance in our part of the world, especially considering what is happening in Russia,” Hultqvist said, once again using the “Russian threat” as a rhetorical tool.