Sweden and the UK’s deal: For Swedes, the real drama is yet to come

Sweden has often been regarded as one of the UK’s closest partners within the EU, and was predicted to be one of David Cameron’s potential allies during his renegotiation. But how is the UK’s deal likely to play out in the context of domestic politics in the country?

Björn Fägersten writes that the issues the UK made central to its renegotiation, such as the relationship between members of the Eurozone and those remaining outside the single currency, have significant relevance for Sweden. He states that although the Swedish government did not take a strong stance during the negotiations, the result of the referendum could have an important impact on how Swedes judge their own relationship with the rest of Europe.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: PM's statement following Cabinet meeting on EU settlement: 20 February 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/pms-statement-following-cabinet-meeting-on-eu-settlement-20-february-2016/

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

EurActiv, 20.04.16: Poll: Majority of Swedes want to leave EU in case of Brexit http://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/poll-majority-of-swedes-want-to-leave-eu-in-case-of-brexit/

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