Sweden joined the EU 27 years ago. Before joining the bloc, however, he was a member of the European Free Trade Association and had also become a member of the European Economic Area. Despite the country’s long-standing relationship with the EU, either as a member or a trading partner, Sweden has always been portrayed as a European outsider.

Swedes have long been divided on the issue of further EU integration and public opinion on Brussels has been very skeptical since membership.

Since Sweden agreed to join the EU on 13 November 1994, they have gone from having the world’s 20th largest economy to the world’s 23rd.

Figures from 2019 show that Sweden has a GDP of 530.88 billion dollars (395.74 pounds), which places them below Thailand, which has the 23rd largest economy and a place above Belgium.

Sweden has a high standard of living with a mix of free enterprise and a generous welfare state.

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The country’s manufacturing economy is heavily dependent on foreign exports, including machinery, motor vehicles and telecommunications.

But the country has also received a large number of new immigrants and faced a challenge to integrate them into Swedish society and the labor market.

Sweden has never adopted the euro currency at the same time as their position as outsiders has led to friction between EU member states.

At the same time, despite the government’s desire for Sweden to be a good EU nation with a mixed portfolio, the country has seen the emergence of an influential right-wing extremist anti-immigration and anti-EU political party – the Sweden Democrats (SD).

“As you know, I campaigned together with Nigel Farage for Sweden to leave and I hoped that we could get a clear mandate when we were on our way to the next EU election.

“We wanted to use Britain’s withdrawal as a good example, but that did not happen, because everything turned into a circus.”

Lofren added: “Finally we are there.

“In a couple of years, we will see the UK be successful and that means we can use it in our communication with our Swedish voters to leave as well.”

Sweden was the UK’s closest ally in the EU when it came to voting on politics and staying out of the euro area.

Former German MP Dr Peter Gauweiler also claimed that Brexit could force Sweden to leave the bloc.

In another interview with Express.co.uk, Gauweiler said: “The EU has been beaten.

“It can recover but the situation will only improve if they release skills again.

“The big help for us Eurosceptics has been Britain.

“Brexit is the best proof because it will most likely go better than before [British].

“Some people say that Sweden will be the next to leave.”