Macron concludes Sweden trip

French President Emmanuel Macron will conclude his two-day visit to Sweden today.

While Macron’s visit comes as Sweden finalises its accession to NATO following the Turkish parliament’s formal approval. Currently, Hungary remains the last state that is yet to formally ratify Sweden’s accession but is largely expected to commence ratification when the country’s parliament returns to session in February. While Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban has expressed misgivings about statements of the Swedish government on the rule of law in Hungary, pressure has increased on the country following Turkish approval.

While Macron is holding talks with the largely symbolic Swedish King Carl XVI. Gustaf, it is likely to lay the framework for future cooperation between the two countries within NATO. Given Macron’s push for EU member states to develop weapon systems independent of the US, the Swedish arms industry may be a target from the French side for further cooperation particularly as it relates to the country’s Gripen fighter jets and the Stridsvagn 122, Sweden’s main battletank based on the German-made Leopard 2.