Scan Magazine

Dear readers,

As Christmas is not far away and a new year awaits, many of us find ourselves looking back at the year that has been.

This autumn, Sweden holds the Presidency of the EU. You who are reading this may be of Swedish descent living in London, a Londoner doing business with a Swedish company, an exchange student or none of the above. But what you and I both have in common is the globalised world that we live in. Within the European Union, cooperation across borders has given us the freedom to live, travel, study and work wherever we want. That is a gift that we share and treasure, and one that we wish more people around the world could enjoy.

The world is now recovering froma financial crisis that has hit many individuals and families hard, in Sweden as in the UK. During the holidays, I hope we can all give an extra thought to those who are less well off; that we will do our best to give help and support, be it in our own neighbourhood or in another country.

Christmas is a season of peace and joy. It is a time for reflection, for family, friends and loved ones. A time that invites us to look ahead, towards a new year full of promise.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Best wishes Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister of Sweden