EASTERN EUROPEAN VECTOR OF SWEDISH FOREIGN POLICY

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of the article is to study approaches and priorities of Sweden regarding
cooperation of the European Union with the neighboring countries in Eastern Europe. The research
of this element in Stockholm’s foreign policy is explained by its traditional activity on the
eastern direction of the EU’s foreign policy. Sweden was and is an active supporter of the EU
enlargement and development of relations with its new neighbors, eastern ones in particular.
Stockholm’s Eastern European policy combines the multi-year experience (from 1960s) of aiding
countries of «the third world» in the development sphere and the principles and approach
of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU. The interest of Sweden in Eastern Europe
is determined by a range of reasons. In the author’s view, the main of them are the following
two. Firstly, it is permanently characteristic for the Swedish social democracy tendency
towards the enlargement of its influence, towards the spread of social reformist ideology. Secondly, the economic interest, striving to secure Swedish capital access to sale markets and guaranteed
sources of raw materials on the basis of political and ideological influence plays a big
role. Besides, by demonstrating activity on the eastern vector Sweden intends to raise its weight
within the EU and promote strengthening of security and stability on its eastern borders.
Key words: Sweden, foreign policy, European Union, European neighborhood policy, «Eastern
Partnership» program, international development aid.