Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, who serves as the vice-president of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), warned that Sweden should contemplate leaving the EU if there is an excessive transfer of power to Brussels.
Gathering from across Sweden in Västerås to deliberate on the critical issue of EU membership at their party conference, Sweden Democrats members engaged in discussions led by Weimers, who expressed his concern about the EU’s current trajectory, describing it as a “political project going in the wrong direction” and “too far” within its powers.
While Weimers stopped short of advocating an immediate Swexit, he left the possibility open, particularly if certain circumstances were to change, including the elimination of the veto in the European Council and an overwhelming shift of power to Brussels.
“Then I will call for an immediate Swexit,” he claimed.
At the party conference, SD’s youth wing, Ungsvenskarna, proposed keeping the option of leaving the EU on the table, emphasising the need to communicate to their voters that Swexit is a genuine alternative if necessary.
Although the SD leadership has not actively pushed for Sweden’s departure from the EU, they are advocating for a comprehensive and independent evaluation of the country’s EU membership. Weimers highlighted the erosion of democracy within the EU, emphasising Sweden’s repeated overruling and the diminishing influence of national governments.
The SD leadership is advocating for a “referendum lock,” requiring any future decisions to transfer additional powers from national to EU level to be preceded by a referendum.
Weimers expressed hope that the ruling Moderates (centre-right, EPP) would eventually adopt the SD’s skeptical stance on the EU.
Acknowledging that an overwhelming majority of Swedes still support EU membership, Weimers noted that only one in ten people currently favours leaving. He stressed that, out of respect for public opinion, the SD is not actively advocating for an exit.
Looking ahead to the next EU elections on June 9, 2024, Weimers outlined the SD’s ambition to become the largest party representing Sweden in the European Parliament. In the previous EU elections, the party secured 15.3 percent of the vote, compared to the Social Democrats’ 23.5 percent.
