The UK is one of Swedens best allies in the EU. We stand together on a wide array of issues for a more free trade-oriented and competitive Europe. For Stockholm, Europes fastest-growing capital, the UK is our most important economic partner.
It is in our direct interest that Britain remains part of the EU. The democratic process and the will of the British people must be respected. However, Sweden and Stockholm cannot afford to sit back and simply hope for the best.
We will start planning for a future in which the UK has left the EU. In specific, Stockholm can strengthen its position as a hub for headquarters in the event of Brexit. Stockholm is home to nine headquarters for businesses operating in global sectors, in joint eighth place worldwide. The UK has in total 21 headquarters operating within global sectors.
We are convinced that companies with headquarters in the UK would have an interest in reviewing where they locate their operations in case the referendum leads the country away from the EU. Sweden and Stockholm would then be an attractive alternative to the UK and London.
Maria Rankka
CEO, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce
Andreas Hatzigeorgiou
Chief Economist, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce
The article was published in Financial Times, "Europes fastest-growing capital will be planning for a post-Brexit world"