The concepts of consultation and participation are often prevalent in the messaging of Swedish ministers on Sweden's presence in the EU. The message is that society, in broad terms, should be able to participate and voice its opinions on Sweden's approach to the EU. But how active is the government in speaking with organisations, groups and businesses when new issues take form in the EU? Not very active at all, finds a new report from the Centre of European Studies, written by political scientist Maria Strömvik. And this inactivity even worsens over time.