Thank you for inviting me to this celebration. I am really pleased to be here as a European Commissioner and as a Swedish national.

It is a pleasure to be here with Henna, my colleague from Finland, and Wolfgang, Director-General for AGRI from Austria.

Our three countries joined the EU 30 years ago.

When I voted for Swedens EU membership, it was a different era. The Berlin Wall had recently fallen, symbolizing freedom. Today, we focus on security.

What unites Sweden, Finland, and Austria are our forests and commitment to sustainable agriculture and forestry. Each country contributes uniquely.

I want to discuss the links between sustainable agriculture, forestry, and the environment.

Sweden emphasizes education and awareness among farmers. Austria pioneers biodiversity approaches, and Finland aims for carbon neutrality by 2035, reducing agricultural emissions by 29% from 2019 levels.

All three countries excel in organic farming, surpassing the EU average. They demonstrate reduced pesticide use and improved water and soil quality.

We must work together on the Vision for Agriculture and Food. Agriculture and the environment must collaborate.

The Vision highlights agricultures strategic role for the EU, ensuring food security and environmental stewardship.

Farmers manage much of the land and water resources, playing a key role in the Water Resilience Strategy.

Preserving natural resources for future generations is crucial.

The bioeconomy offers new opportunities for farmers and foresters, promoting investment and innovation.

A new Bioeconomy strategy will be developed, focusing on competitiveness and resilience, creating jobs, and enhancing sustainability.

Austria, Finland, and Sweden are key players in these discussions, leading by example in sustainability and security.