Sweden is heading for elections –and so is the freedom we live in

by Lowe Lilliehorn & Edvin Mårtensson

Sweden is heading for elections next year. Just like Denmark. Just like France. And just like the other 24 countries in the European Union, they are heading for a common election – for a common cause. The European parliamentary elections are a truly unique international phenomenon, but how long will this unity last? What are the current threats to the European Union?

The European Union is at a crucial juncture in its history, with next year’s elections to the European Parliament set to shape and define its future. Cooperation and integration have been the guiding principles of the EU project, aiming at common prosperity and freedom. However, as we approach the election, there are several risks and dangers threatening European cooperation, both from within and outside the EU. At this time, we must not forget the immense opportunities the EU offers Sweden, Denmark, and the other 25 member states.

The most tangible threats to EU cooperation in past years have come from member states, such as the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Poland. They have been moving in a completely contrary direction, questioning the shared values and common positions the EU is built upon. These include securing basic rights for LGTBQ-persons, but also the principles of the rule of law. This development poses a danger to the EU’s future, its legitimacy, and the outcome of next year’s elections.

The EU Commission and European Parliament have attempted to address these internal challenges with member countries that actively oppose the EU’s common interests and values by initiating Article 7 procedures against Hungary and Poland. This could, in turn, lead to the suspension of their voting rights in EU institutions. This is a drastic step and highlights the seriousness of the situation. Unfortunately, the European Council has so far hidden itself and not even allowed the issue to be raised on the agenda. But we should not be “naive”, as the former Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven put it.

The threat of EU withdrawal and Euroscepticism is prevalent in every country and from every side of the political scale, be it left or right, isolationism or protectionism. Do not misunderstand us – criticizing the EU is entirely legitimate and fundamentally needed. All organizations stagnate without evolving with the times they operate in, which is why the most pro-European forces are often the biggest proponents of large, comprehensive reforms within the project. What countries such as Hungary and Poland are engaging in is not constructive criticism; they are in fact choosing the path to a different system, one that fundamentally undermines European legitimacy and long-term societal well-being.

Britain’s decision to leave the EU highlighted the risks to European cooperation. Brexit created economic uncertainty and complex challenges for both the United Kingdom and the rest of the Union. Brexit also sparked a debate about the future of the European project. Some advocate for increased cooperation and a deeper union that can more effectively address global challenges, while others want to see looser cooperation that grants member states greater sovereignty. This debate is important. It is fundamental. It will impact the future of the EU, and determine future elections in the EU.

In a time of climate change, migration crisis, and economic recession, criticism of the EU is rampant. More emphasis is placed on the nation-state and less on European cooperation. However, it is important to remember that many of these challenges we face require collective solutions that go beyond the capacity of individual nations to act. Climate change is a clear example. Under Sweden’s leadership of the European Council, a new climate package was adopted called “Fit for 55”, a new plan to expedite climate transitions. Change cannot happen through symbolic politics in individual countries, but only by collectively creating sustainable, secure, and sound directives for the entire EU – because that’s how real change is made, if one truly wants it.

Migration is another challenge that has placed the EU under significant strain. The large influx of refugees to Europe in 2015 and 2016 led to a political crisis and division among member states. There is sharp criticism and questioning of the EU’s ability to manage the effects of migration in a fair and effective manner. It is important for the EU to emphasize that migration is a common issue that requires collective solutions, and that they are not afraid to change policy. The EU will play a crucial role in developing a coordinated and fair migration policy that takes economic realities into account. Criticism prompted the EU to form a new idea about migration to Europe and showed that the EU can and does make changes in its governance. Today, we see a new wave of migration in Europe and memories of 2015 are resurfacing. How the EU manages to resolve this will define its future and impact next year’s elections.

So what can be done now to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the EU? First and foremost, the Union must address current common challenges in a common manner. This requires member states to work together and respect common values and rules. But it also means the EU must be flexible enough to meet the needs and expectations of its citizens.

Second, the EU must continue to communicate the benefits of cooperation, as well as how the democratic dialogue and system actually work in practice. How the system impacts you, me, and society as a whole. Why should the Swedes vote in the EU? What does their vote do? What is it worth? This requires vision. It requires legitimacy.

Sweden is heading for elections next year, as is Denmark and France. Cast your vote in the EU elections next year. It is your right. At least we will.