On 22 July 1972, the Swedish Foreign Minister, Krister Wickman, welcomes the signing of the agreement between Sweden and the European Economic Community (EEC) which establishes a basis for closer economic relations.

On 6 September 1971, the Swedish Government sends a memorandum to the Commission of the European Communities in which it outlines the aspects relating to trade and the institutions which need to be clarified on both sides with a view to better economic cooperation between Sweden and the European Communities, while taking into account the country's neutral status.

On 11 November 1971, in Stockholm, the Swedish Prime Minister, Olof Palme, and some Members of the Swedish Government welcome Franco Maria Malfatti, President of the Commission of the European Communities, accompanied by a Commission Delegation for an exchange of views on the terms for Sweden's possible accession to the European Communities.

In January 1971, Jean-Pierre Gouzy, former member of the Executive Board of the French Movement for the United States of Europe and of the French Union of Federalists, paints an economic, political and social picture of Sweden and gives his views on the country’s new relationship with the European Communities.

In November 1971, in an article published in the French monthly newspaper Le Monde Diplomatique, Kjell-Olof Feldt, Swedish Trade Minister, analyses the nature of relations between Sweden and the European Communities and, given the country’s neutral status, speculates on possible intermediate solutions which would ensure that Sweden participates in the European integration process.

On 29 September 1971, Paolo Cecchini, Head of the Task Force of the Commission of the European Communities for the enlargement of the Communities and chief negotiator for the trade agreements with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), sends a note to Edmond Wellenstein, Head of the Delegation from the Commission of the European Communities to the negotiations on the enlargement of the Communities, in which he outlines the respective positions of Sweden and the Commission with regard to the country’s possible accession to the European Communities.

On 3 November 1971, the Delegation from the Commission to the negotiations on enlargement sets down information to be used in responses to general questions likely to be put to Franco Maria Malfatti, President of the Commission of the European Communities, during his forthcoming official visit to Sweden.

On 18 March 1971, the Swedish Government draws up a memorandum on questions relating to a possible cooperation agreement between Sweden and the European Communities.

On 10 November 1970, Kjell-Olof Feldt, Swedish Trade Minister, sets out Sweden’s position with regard to European integration and considers its relationship with the European Communities.