Swedish Ambassador Håkan Jevrell at VŠE: Europe Will Succeed Only Through Cooperation
How can Europe hold its own amid growing global competition, geopolitical tension and ever less predictable developments? Swedish Ambassador to the Czech Republic Håkan Jevrell discussed these questions with students at VŠE. In his view, the ability of European countries to work together will increasingly determine Europe’s prosperity and influence.
The lecture, “Innovation, Sustainability and Competitiveness: Lessons from Sweden”, took place on Monday, 2 November 2026 at the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE). After a short talk, the ambassador opened the floor to students’ questions.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Håkan Jevrell drew mainly on Sweden’s experience. Sweden has long been able to turn technological and environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. Using examples of successful Swedish companies, he showed how much depends on an environment that nurtures talent, new ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit.
He also spoke about cooperation between the public and private sectors: how government and business can work together to create the conditions for long-term competitiveness and sustainable development.
Europe Between China and the US
The debate went well beyond Sweden. It turned to wider global shifts and how Europe should respond to them. At a time of growing uncertainty, the discussion also touched on the role of China and the United States and their importance for the future shape of the global economy.
Students also asked the ambassador about renewable energy and the green and digital transition, and above all about how to reconcile ambitious environmental goals with keeping the European economy competitive. His answers kept returning to cooperation: in a turbulent international environment, he argued, no European country can succeed on its own.
The Faculty of International Relations (FIR) at VŠE thanks Ambassador Håkan Jevrell for his visit and the open discussion with students. More lectures and meetings with guests from diplomacy and business can be found in the FIR events calendar.
