Sweden’s support of the EU-US free-trade agreement could be one reason for President Barack Obama’s decision to visit Sweden, rather than to stop off in neighbouring Nato members Norway or Denmark.
In the past, Andersson noted, America would have prioritized stop-overs in Oslo and Copenhagen rather than head on to Stockholm, as Sweden remains outside of Nato while Norway and Denmark are members.
Yet as Swedish military personnel have now fought alongside Nato not only in Afghanistan but participated in the Libya mission, Sweden’s neutrality has perhaps been perceived as thawing somewhat.
“US-Swedish relations have never been as good as they are now,” Andersson said.
I – Word Understanding
Stop off – as on a visit or errand
Would have prioritized – did not arrange with in order of importance
Fought alongside – struggled together with
Neutrality – nonparticipation in a dispute or war
Thawing – becoming free of the effect
II – Have your say
1. The EU-US trade agreement which is formally known as Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The American Industries want the European Union to relax its restrictions on imports of products that don’t meet its high standards, agro products from the US, in particular.
2. European regulators have already decided to tighten conditions for authorizing genetically modified organisms. As France and other EU members banned importation of genetically modified food.
3. EU-U.S. negotiations will likely be difficult and prolonged, owing especially to resistance from European and American regulators.If EU-US reaches the contract agreement, who would benefit most.
4. Europe does not have an Asian strategy or TPP equivalent. Granted, an agreement between the EU and Japan would be very beneficial to Europe and would diminish America’s advantages in Asia.
164 US needs European friends right now’: Swedish Politcal Scientist said
