Sweden assumes the rotating EU presidency from the Czech Republic next July, and will be expected to deal with the aftermath of the elections and to smooth Ireland's path towards solving its Lisbon Treaty dilemma.
Speaking to EurActiv in an interview, Malmström said it would be a "pity if we can't run the elections under the new treaty [Lisbon], first of all because Sweden loses two seats under the Nice Treaty, but most importantly because those running for the European Parliament should know the circumstances under which they are to operate. As it stands, they will run in a sort of institutional limbo, which is unfair on them".
The former MEP said Sweden is prepared for this limbo, and will make contingency plans for a potential shift to the Lisbon Treaty if, as appears likely, Ireland holds a second referendum in the autumn of 2009. "We have planned for having our presidency under the Nice Treaty, but also for a potential change to Lisbon mid-way – we have planned for both scenarios," she explained.
While praising the current French Presidency for its success and experience in dealing with the global financial meltdown and Georgia conflict, Malmström dismissed suggestions that a small country like Sweden might struggle to cope with similar unforeseen crises. Using the Finnish Presidency's handling of the Lebanon crisis as a template, she argues that Sweden will prepare "for the unprepared" and establish "a crisis organisation that can be quickly activated".
However, the Swedish Europe minister stressed her country's clear opposition to French ambitions to install President Sarkozy as eurozone leader. "We should not build new institutions that divide Europe – in this moment we need unity, not division," she said.
Finally, Malmström expressed her hope that Sweden would hold a new referendum on joining the euro in the coming years. However, she acknowledged that there was an agreement within Sweden's governing coalition that the issue would not be raised until the expiry of its current mandate in 2010.
"We will campaign for the euro in the European elections – not because the European Parliament has any influence on Sweden's choice, but because it's a good way to talk about European visions," she said.
