Sweden and Romania are close to reaching a cooperation agreement that aims to deal with some of Romania’s most important problems related to children's rights and education.

The Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs is now preparing a first draft of the agreement. The two governments might sign a formal deal this summer.

“It is not set in stone yet, but both countries have expressed an interest to initiate co-operation on social issues, particularly on children's rights and education. Romania is very interested in how Sweden organizes its welfare system,” special coordinator Martin Valfridsson told The Local.

The agreement would allow the two countries exchange views on social issues and might help Romania attract EU structural funds.

Romania’s Minister of Social Affairs met with her Swedish counterparts in January this year. The two talked about a possible cooperation between the two countries.

According to figures from Stockholm's Social Administration Board released in April 2014, thousands of beggars have arrived in Sweden in the past few years. 90% of them came from Romania.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com