SWEDISH PRESIDENCY Assessment

Northern lights

By Simon Taylor - 07.01.2010 / 04:55 CET

A look back on Sweden's six months at the helm of the Council of Ministers.

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Fact file

HIGHS

Successful implementation of Lisbon treaty.

Agreement on the appointment of Herman Van Rompuy as president of the European Council and Catherine Ashton as high representative for foreign and security policy.

Agreement on new supervisory authorities for banking, securities and insurance and pension products.

Agreement on post-economic crisis ‘exit strategies' to start reducing public deficits.

Agreement on fast-start financing to help developing countries deal with climate change.

Agreement on Stockholm Programme for justice and home affairs, emphasising defendants' rights and measures to combat illegal migration and foster legal migration and integration.

Advanced negotiations with Croatia and Turkey on EU membership.

LOWS

Result of Copenhagen climate change talks.

No agreement on directive on cross-border healthcare.