The Swedish Presidency in 2009 will be remembered by a number of key outcomes:

• Addressing the economic crisis challenges with measures for financial stability and a growth strategy for of EU 2020 (targeting eco-efficient economy, stronger competitiveness, increased investment in research and education, full employment, and sustainable public finances.)
• Addressing the climate change – although the Copenhagen summit have advanced but not reached strong commitments, the EU Member States have agreed on concrete contribution to climate funding and certain emissions’ targets.
• Entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on December 1st 2009: Appointment of the first Permanent President of the EU Council - Herman Van Rompuy (BE) for the next 2,5 years and the new High Representative for Foreign Policy – Catherine Ashton (UK). José Manuel Barroso was re-elected as President of the European Commission in September ’09 and the future European Commission was communicated (to be endorsed in February 2010)
• Stockholm programme in the field of justice, police and migration cooperation.
• EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea for dynamic economies and cleaner Baltic Sea region
• Firms steps towards enlargement: advancement of Croatian and Turkish negotiations; facilitating disputes between Croatia/Slovenia and Macedonia/Greece; consider membership applications from Iceland, Albania and Montenegro; Interim agreement with Serbia
• The EU as a Global actor: New European External Action Service (EEAS); Enhancement of the Eastern Partnership Cooperation; seven summits were held: EU-South Africa, Brazil, the United States, India, China, Russia and Ukraine.
• Towards knowledge economy and innovation: securing investment in education and research leads to innovations that can provide vital growth to Europe’s competitiveness. Teachers has a crucial role to play.

The European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 was concluded by the "Create. Innovate. Grow" conference where the European ambassadors for Creativity and Innovation presented their Manifesto outlining seven main priorities and lines of action. Promote a strong, independent and diverse cultural sector that can sustain intercultural dialogue is one of them. It is connected to Action 4, focusing on capacity building, creative industries, use of new media.