Overview
Capital: Stockholm
Official EU language(s): Swedish
EU Member State: since 1 January 1995
Currency: Swedish krona SEK. Sweden has committed to adopt the euro once it fulfils the necessary conditions.
Schengen: member since 25 March 2001
Figures:
- Geographical size: 447 424 km2
- Population: 10 551 707 (2024)
(Source: Eurostat - figures for geographical size and population)
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.
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.
(Source: Eurostat - figures for exports and imports)
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.
There are 21 representatives from Sweden in the European Parliament. Find out who these Members of the European Parliament are and follow the activities of the European Parliament’s office in Sweden.
In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Representatives from the Swedish government attend Council meetings focused on their area of responsibility several times a year.
The Council of the EU does not have a permanent, single-person president (like 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 the different policy areas, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.
Dates of Swedish presidencies:
Jan-Jun 2001 | Jul-Dec 2009 | Jan-Jun 2023
The European Commissioner nominated by Sweden is Jessika Roswall who is responsible for the environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy.
The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation". Find out more about the Commission's representation in Sweden.
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 different countries.
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.
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 heard and pursued as much 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.