Interviewed about the Asylum package in a Ukrainan magazine

Here comes an interesting interview made by a Ukrainan journalist on the asylum package.

1. Last week, the European Parliament postponed the Kwaznievsi-Cox mission till September. Do you think this mission can force some progress and stop the political use of justice in Ukraine?

1. It is very good to have a mission in place and hopefully this will ensure a fair court proceeding for former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko and strengthen the rule of law and the independence of judiciary in Ukraine. it could also be a contributing factor to improve the confidence between EU and Ukraine.

3. The EP just adopt the simplification of visa procedure for Ukrainian citizens. Is it a good think according to you? Does it pave the way very soon for a free circulation regime?

3. Free movement is the most essential part of the European Union and I want to extend this also to citizens from the neighbouring countries. Visa facilitation is an important step and hopefully this could one day lead to visa liberalisation between the EU and Ukraine. However, I abstained in this vote because of the proposed anti-gay law put before the Ukrainian Parliament. Something else that is of vital importance for the EU are our fundamental rights, including that every person, no matter religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation, shall have the same right and be treated equally. The concerned law goes completely against everything the EU should fight for, and in our political group it was important to send a signal that we react strongly to this.

4. Do you support a political union in Europe, with a common foreign policy, or do you prefer that Europe concentrate on economic field?

4. I am a federalist and I do support a political EU, based on common values and fundamental rights. There are many issues that are coordinated better on EU-level. But we shall of course always be aware of the principle of subsidiary and let the decisions be made at the most appropriate level.

5. What is your position, as one of the Swedish politicians, about the enlargement of Europe in the future?

5. I can not speak for all Swedish politicians, but personally I am positive to enlargement. In only a few months we will welcome Croatia as our 28th MemberState and I hope that one day all the Balkan countries will be incorporated.