BRUSSELS 1 July 2009 Sweden take helm of European Union. Inherits enlargement agenda

When Sweden assumes the six-month presidency of the European Union on Jul 1, enlargement will be a top issuse. Croatia is seen as likely to conclude EU membership talks during the Swedish term, putting it in line to become the bloc's 28th member by 2011. Serbia's recent election results increase its chances of early EU membership. Ukraine and Georgia might remain in limbo, hostage to Russia's hostility as the bloc and NATO close in on its borders.

The 27-nation European Union has linked an unfreezing of plans to upgrade links with Israel to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu committing to negotiate a two-state accord. The bloc on Jun 15 cautiously welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement -- albeit with conditions -- for a Palestinian state. Sweden will have the task of helping to keep the process moving.

The issue of Guantanamo prisoners has also become a top issue for the Swedish EU presidency. Several EU countries have agreed to take at least their own nationals.
Transatlantic relations with the Barak Obama administration are expected to be high on the agenda for the Swedish presidency, which will also try to move forward on an EU climate package and EU energy security.

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Serbia EU candidate status possible in 2009: Barroso (AFP 3 Sep 2009)
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j4rpGI0mfpYrK1OHuVRNAA2xkeLA

Georgian war and coalition collapse threaten EU's Ukraine ties (DWW 4 Sep 2009)
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3617401,00.html