Stockholm has taken over the six-month rotating EU Presidency and is preparing to face one of the most challenging semesters.

By December, the EU must decide on its future through a second Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, elect a European Commission President and install a new set of commissioners. Apart from this, it has to focus on the demanding rapid response to the economic crisis and global UN talks on a new post-Kyoto climate protocol.

Malta's priority will be illegal immigration, particularly the introduction of an intra-EU resettlement programme specifically designed for the island and approved by EU leaders last month.

Malta also has to nominate a new commissioner to serve a five-year term in Brussels and will be monitoring the important negotiations between the EU and member states in Copenhagen on climate change. This forms part of a new post-Kyoto protocol agreement, which includes targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions for all signatories, including Malta.

The island's bid to host the EU Asylum Agency may also be decided during this Presidency's term.

Speaking to EU correspondents, the Swedish Prime Minister emphasised the need for the European Parliament to approve the nomination of Commission President Josè Manuel Barroso during its first plenary session next month. He said postponing the vote, as some political groups wished, would prevent the EU from taking a leading global role.

"If we don't take the decision I see a risk of Europe not taking leadership," he said, citing international negotiations on tackling climate change and dealing with the economic crisis as priorities.

Mr Barroso has already received the unanimous backing of all 27 EU leaders during the summit in Brussels two weeks ago. However, his nomination still needs the EP's endorsement by simple majority.

Mr Barroso enjoys the support of the majority of 264 MEPs belonging to the European People's Party group but needs another 105 votes from other groups.