Yesterday marked exactly thirty years since the historic 1994 referendum when Swedes made the monumental choice to join the European Union. Three decades ago, we voted to step out of isolation and into a new era of cooperation and shared responsibility. Those of us who supported membership saw it as a leap forward—an opportunity to help shape Europe’s future alongside our neighbors. But even now, after three decades, a certain reluctance remains among many Swedes to fully embrace a European identity or to take an active, progressive role within the EU.
The Reluctance to Identify as European
Sweden’s hesitation towards EU involvement stems from several complex historical and cultural factors. As a country with a long-standing tradition of neutrality, Swedes have often viewed themselves as outsiders in European politics. Our neutrality was a point of pride, a statement of independence that preserved our voice and identity on the world stage. But this mindset can also lead to a sense of separateness that affects how we approach the EU.
Moreover, there is a widespread perception that the EU could undermine Sweden’s sovereignty. Issues like labor rights, welfare, and environmental policies are areas where we feel we already excel. Many Swedes worry that closer integration might dilute the unique strengths of the Swedish model. As a result, instead of seeing the EU as a way to strengthen our voice and values, we often view it with skepticism or even as a threat to our autonomy.
Rethinking the EU Membership
However, it’s time for us to reconsider what it truly means to be part of the EU. If we look beyond the regulatory nature of the Union, we find a platform that could help amplify Swedish values on a global scale. Sweden is a leader in sustainability, human rights, and innovation—values that align strongly with the EU’s vision for the future. Our membership provides us with an opportunity to influence and promote these ideals on a much larger scale.
In today’s interconnected world, challenges like climate change, migration, and digital transformation don’t respect borders. As individual countries, our ability to tackle these issues is limited. But as a collective, the EU can drive real, impactful change. By actively participating and taking a leading role, Sweden can help shape solutions to these pressing problems rather than passively observing from the sidelines.
Embracing Our European Identity
Perhaps most importantly, the EU offers us a way to strengthen our democratic values at a time when they are under threat globally. As authoritarianism and nationalism gain traction in many parts of the world, the EU stands as a beacon of democracy, peace, and human rights. Sweden, with its strong democratic traditions, has an important role to play here. We should be at the forefront, pushing the EU to uphold and advance these principles—not only within our borders but across the continent.
Time to Step Forward
Sweden’s future is undeniably tied to Europe’s future. The challenges we face are complex, and they require the collective effort of all EU nations. But to truly make a difference, we need to shift our perspective and view EU involvement not as a threat to our identity, but as an extension of it.
Thirty years after our initial decision to join, I believe it’s time for Swedes to step forward, embrace our role within the EU, and redefine what it means to be European. Let’s move past old reservations and bring our values to the table. After all, the EU isn’t just “them”—it’s us.
Mathias Knutsson
