The Swedish Presidency with the EU - Expectations for the Western Balkans - Risteska, Sonja (Analytica, 2009)
On the 1st of July 2009, Sweden took over the Presidency of the EU for the next six months. As each member state of the European Union takes its turn in presiding with the European Council for a period of six months in accordance with a pre-established rotation schedule, the agenda of each presidency reflects the interests of the member state. It is a critical position as each presidency plays a central role in organizing the work of the Council and serves as the driving force in setting the agenda, as well as in directing the legislative and political decision-making process