Welcome
Visit by Minister of State for Europe to Sweden: Solidarity in action
In talks with the Minister for Justice and Migration and the Minister for Employment, both sides confirmed that there was close cooperation between Germany and Sweden, including on the refugee issue.
Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe, travelled to Sweden on 22 October, where he held talks with the Minister for Justice and Migration and the Minister for Employment and visited a refugee reception centre and a women’s integration project. Afterwards, he gave a speech at Stockholm University.
During his visit to the reception centre, Roth learned about how refugees arrive and are registered in Sweden. Afterwards, he visited the Livstycket integration project, where he learned how women from an immigrant background are being helped to become part of Swedish society. Roth said it was all the more important to share experiences and work closely together in the current refugee situation, which affects Sweden and Germany in particular. He pointed out that the two countries can learn from each other as regards procedures and integration models.
Close cooperation between Germany and Sweden
Roth also met Minister for Justice and Migration Morgan Johansson and Minister for Employment Ylva Johansson. Both sides confirmed that there was good and close cooperation between Germany and Sweden, including on the refugee situation. The Minister of State said:
Sweden and Germany are demonstrating solidarity and acting in concert. We want to be a role model in order to convince other EU member states that we can only address the refugee issue through a joint European response. This is why we will continue to lobby for a permanent distribution mechanism in the EU with our Swedish partners. All EU partners should make a contribution. We can also only tackle the causes of migration and begin to stabilise the countries of transit by working together.
At the invitation of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Roth gave a speech and took part in a discussion with students and NGOs at Stockholm University in the evening. In conclusion, he said:
Both in Sweden and Germany, we can currently be very grateful for the enormous amount of work being done by volunteers to help refugees and for the solidarity in our societies. I am constantly impressed and moved by this dedication.
Find out more:
Additional content
-- check against delivery -- Ladies and gentlemen, It is no coincidence that I am visiting Sweden today. Talking about solidarity these days might seem challenging. One can really feel tired…
Swedish-German relations are close and friendly. This long tradition is reflected by numerous intensive contacts at all levels. Bilateral relations are characterised by consensus and close cooperation…
