Ylva Johansson says she hopes for a heavy role in the creation of the new EU Commission.

- I have changed subject area several times during my political work, and I am ready to do it again. But for Sweden, it is important that we get a portfolio that is heavy and where you have a great influence during the coming term, ”says Ylva Johansson.

Ludvig Norman is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stockholm University, focusing on EU policies and institutions. He says it is difficult to say which items are relevant, as there are still member countries that have not disclosed their nominations.

- It is a complicated game with many considerations where both the member country to which you belong and political color play into play.

Often seen as "best in class"

But that the outgoing Commissioner Cecilia Malmström (L) has been responsible for trade, an important area, is a sign of Sweden's status within the Union, says Ludvig Norman.

- It is a receipt that Sweden is a small country but still enjoys high confidence in the EU. On the one hand, it is clear to uphold the EU's basic values. Although contradictory in some matters, you are loyal to the European project. On the one hand, they are often seen as "best in class" when it comes to implementing EU legislation, Ludvig Norman tells SVT.

Cecilia Malmström has said that Sweden should seek important areas of responsibility such as the internal market, migration or climate. That Malmström expresses that can be a thumbs up, says Ludvig Norman.

- She would not say it if she did not consider it likely that Sweden could get a decent heavy post.

Migration is a sensitive issue

However, if Ylva Johansson seeks migration as its territory, it may cause bad blood in countries in Eastern Europe and around the Mediterranean, given Sweden's liberal profile on the issue.

- It can be considered controversial to give Sweden that post. Sweden is geographically quite far from the center of events. We do not always know the direct consequences even if we have received many migrants in the past, says Ludvig Norman.

However, Ludlig Norman believes that Ylva Johansson will receive the climate portfolio.

- It is an important item where Sweden has a relatively good reputation, so it would also not be impossible to imagine.

Is it likely that as a labor market minister, she will be able to work with a specific labor market?

- It's hard to say, but matching skills can be found on one corner. She would get a flying start compared to if she worked but a whole new portfolio, says Ludvig Norman.

Not open to von der Leyen

The Commission's incoming chair Ursula von der Leyen may have less room for maneuver than the previous chair when she is to set up a new commission. She was voted by a small majority and Parliament is more divided than before after this spring's European elections. Von der Leyen must therefore think about whether the European Parliament will tolerate the proposals for new commissioners, says Ludvig Norman.

- It is not obvious that she can distribute portfolios and get it through without problems.