Swedish PM says Greece should rely more on itself to solve debt crisis

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on Monday said that Greece should rely more on itself to solve the sovereign debt crisis that has now engulfed Europe. He made the remark at a press conference after meeting with visiting Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt in Stockholm. When asked whether the Nordic countries were willing to help Greece with loans or bonds to address economic crisis, the Swedish prime minister highlighted the role of Greeks themselves. "It is important to note that the Greeks first must do more themselves in the implementation of the programs that have been put together," said Reinfeldt, referring to the austerity measures of Greek government. "We've always said from a Swedish perspective, as a country outside the euro area, we may conclude bilateral commitments from case to case,"Reinfeldt added. Reinfeldt stressed that Europe must design a solution that ensures the conditions for recapitalizing banks in Europe. Sweden has previously chosen to participate in supporting efforts to Ireland, Latvia and Iceland, but not to participate in the case of Greece. "It is important to emphasize that neither Denmark nor Sweden is asked to contribute at this time. But there are other areas where we should be involved and take our share of responsibility in the discussions," said Thorning-Schmidt. Thorning-Schmidt also revealed that during Denmark's presidency of the EU in the first half of 2012, she would bring climate and energy issues in the European debate again, and that will also make Sweden and Denmark cooperate better in the green issues.