Fireside chat with Jessika Roswall

In collaboration with the Urban and Public Affairs schools, PSIA welcomed Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, for a fireside chat with PSIA Dean Arancha González.

Jessika Roswall started her mandate as Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy on December 1st 2024. Prior to her nomination for the post of Commissioner she was Sweden's minister for EU affairs from October 2022 to September 2024, during which Sweden held the EU presidency. Between 2010 and 2022 she served as a member of the Swedish Parliament, holding the position of second vice-president of its EU affairs committee from 2019 to 2022. Born in Sweden 1972, Jessika Roswall holds a law degree from Uppsala University. After graduating in 2002, she worked as a lawyer from 2002 to 2010.

The chat addressed evolving global landscape and its impact on the European Union’s future. The key question was how the EU can assert itself as a strong global player while first ensuring stability and resilience at home. Competitiveness emerged as a crucial factor - Europe must grow economically to finance both security and climate action, especially as public funds alone will not suffice.
Water was highlighted as an issue of strategic importance with direct implications for security and climate change. Engaging with young people was also emphasized as essential, driven by a genuine belief in the power of dialogue and inclusion. Ultimately, the conversation emphasized the need for a forward-thinking, self-reliant Europe capable of tackling global challenges while strengthening its foundations from within.

Watch the replay of the event: