Brussels Playbook Podcast BONUS: "Europe has to be saved from itself" - Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister
Feb 12, 2026
Ebba Busch, Sweden’s deputy prime minister and energy minister known for leading the Christian Democrats, advocates a tougher stance on Russia and faster European action. She warns EU bureaucracy slows sovereignty. She pushes for stronger defense, stricter migration rules, and nuclear energy as reliable baseload.
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EU Built For Stability, Now Too Slow
- Ebba Busch argues the EU was built for stability, not speed, which now undermines its effectiveness in crises.
- She warns the EU must scale back promises and focus on core functions to restore public legitimacy.
Make Speed A Security Priority
- Do stop relying solely on the Commission and instead let member states act quickly on security and energy sovereignty.
- Do prioritise tempo, deregulation and predictable permitting as matters of national and European security.
US Unpredictability Demands European Strength
- Busch says unpredictable U.S. rhetoric pressures Europe to show clear strength and unity rather than weakness.
- She points to Sweden's rising defence spending and other reforms as proof Europe must 'walk the talk.'