Brexit, reforms within the EU and common refugee policy were at the forefront of talks between Chancellor Angela Merkel and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Stockholm.

The Chancellor called for concrete progress on European migration policy. "We will be pushing ahead with work because words are not enough – action must follow," said Angela Merkel with a view to this week’s EU meeting in Malta.

This Friday an informal meeting of the EU heads of state and government is to take place in Valletta, Malta.

Consultations on Brexit on the right path

Commenting on the Brexit negotiations, Angela Merkel stressed that the aim must be to "ensure that our friendship and close relations with the United Kingdom are preserved in spite of their departure".

At the same time she noted that consultations between the other 27 member states are making good progress. These consultations are to be continued at this week’s meeting in Malta.

We must not forget our own responsibilities

She reported that she agrees with Stefan Löfven that the EU must take care "not to forget its own responsibilities" in spite of the Brexit negotiations with the United Kingdom. They include internal and external security, greater cooperation in the field of defence, the establishment of a digital single market, addressing unemployment and creating prospects for young people.

In the field of refugee policy, close cooperation is needed among EU member states on the elaboration of a new common asylum system, stressed Angela Merkel. "This also includes solidarity among member states, which Germany demands, as does Sweden," said the Chancellor.

Visit to the royal palace

In the morning Angela Merkel met Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. In the afternoon, she and Stefan Löfven opened a German-Swedish Technology Forum together.