"On 1 July 2009, Sweden will take over the Presidency of the EU......for six months, Sweden will lead the EU's work and be responsible for moving important EU issues forward....The Presidency is a unique opportunity for Sweden to lead and influence work on important EU issues.  At the same time, the country holding the Presidency must be flexible and prepared to deal with unexpected issues."

So says the Swedish Government.  The key is in the last sentence.  In current circumstances to say that this is rather an understatement is itself an understatement.

The Swedish Government is facing a hurricane of uncertainty - indeed several hurricanes.  Mr Reinfeldt, the Swedish Prime Minister, and thus from tomorrow the leader of the Swedish Presidency, however appears calm.  Indeed he is noted for his calmness. Perhaps has resolved that the Presidency motto should be "Keep Calm And Carry On."

As the young and popular economist who three years ago was deemed `the most admired man in Sweden,' Mr Reinfeldt may already have secured his place in EU history by being the last of the EU's `rotating' Presidents.