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Mattias Karlsson, the group leader of the Sweden Democrats in the Swedish Parliament, hammered Brussels for refusing to reform the ‘undemocratic’ bloc. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Mr Karlsson suggested it was only a matter of time before the EU crumbled completely. “We’ve seen an increase in resistance against the European Union and its undemocratic structure in central Europe, in France, in Scandinavia and many other countries,” he said. “I think the European Union is like a zombie, it’s actually dead but still walking. But in the end, it will show that this kind of structure is not sustainable. I think it will fall.”

EXPRESS • GETTY Mattias Karlsson lashed out against Brussels as he branded the EU a 'zombie'

Mr Karlsson said Europe needs to cooperate in areas such as trade and security, but the fine print should be agreed between sovereign nations - not unelected officials. “We need to have close cooperation on many issues in Europe,” he said. “We have a common interest in fighting organised crime, terrorism, environmental threats and we also have a common interest in trading with each other. “The rules surrounding that should be made up between the countries and democratically elected governments.”

I think the European Union is like a zombie, it’s actually dead but still walking Mattias Karlsson

The damning assessment came after the Sweden Democrat politician also took a swipe at eurocrats for threatening the stick the UK with a bad deal if Theresa May did not meet their Brexit demands. Adding Brussels should respect democracy and honour the will of the British people, Mr Karlsson said: “It’s disgusting actually. I think we need Britain - all the European countries need Britain. “We are cousins in a cultural sense, we have a lot of common interests and the British people have democratically chosen this path to leave the European Union. “We should respect that and we should make the negotiations as smooth and friendly as possible. The signals that are now coming from the European Union, the leadership there, are just appalling. “Threatening Britain and making remarks that are not respectful to the British people, I think it’s just sad.”

Brexit day: images from around the country as Britain invokes Article 50 Mon, April 3, 2017 The country reacts as Theresa May officially invokes Article 50, and begins the process of Britain leaving the European Union Play slideshow EPA 1 of 22 Pro-EU demonstrators protest outside Parliament

The right-wing politician, who’s party is currently leading in the Swedish opinion polls, said the Sweden Democrats want to secure a good trade deal with Britain once it leaves the bloc. Mr Karlsson added it was difficult to lay out the specifics, but said cooperation across as many platforms as possible would benefit both nations. He said: “I want us to cooperate in as many areas as possible. “It’s hard for me to sit here now and [outline] a deal but we want to have trade deals with Britain, we need the British people and the British people need us.