Benjamin Dousa

On 10 July, Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz led Sweden’s delegation to the annual international Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC), which was held in Rome this year. The delegation included Swedish government agencies, companies and organisations.

The Government has decided to contribute SEK 8.2 billion to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s poorest countries. In doing so, Sweden is contributing to the record-breaking 21st replenishment of the fund, which will generate a total of USD 100 billion for reforms, investment and development in the world’s poorest countries.

As part of Sweden’s support to the reconstruction of Ukraine, a new initiative is now being launched to further strengthen the country’s IT expertise. Through the support of almost SEK 10 million to Beetroot Academy, more than 2 000 professionals in Ukraine’s public administration, civil society and IT sector will be given more tools to meet the digital opportunities and challenges of the future with targeted educational initiatives.

The Government has adopted a new ordinance that enables development assistance funding in conjunction with export credits and export credit guarantees for the implementation of socially beneficial development promotion projects in low- and lower middle-income countries. The new financial instrument enables projects that benefit sustainable development in low- and lower middle-income countries that would not be possible on commercial grounds. In parallel to this, Swedish companies will contribute with their products and expertise in implementation.

The Government has decided to provide SEK 20 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) nuclear safety and security missions in Ukraine in 2025. Support to the IAEA’s work aligns with the Government’s overarching goal of supporting Ukraine in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Sweden is providing a new contribution of SEK 135 million to Ukraine’s civil cybersecurity. Cyberattacks on civilian infrastructure are an increasing threat in many countries, especially Ukraine. The attacks originate primarily from Russia and are directed at targets such as central government functions and basic civil services for citizens. In 2024, Ukraine was subjected to more than 4 315 cyber incidents – an average of 12 a day.

The Swedish Government is currently creating the conditions to expand development assistance to Ukraine this year and be able to respond even better to global humanitarian needs. This is being done by reprioritising both geographic and thematic assistance, freeing up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for 2025. The Government has also decided to begin phasing out the Strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with Afghanistan and the Strategy for Sweden’s regional development cooperation with Asia and the Pacific region.

The Swedish Government prioritises Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, and Sweden is now strengthening its support to increase Ukraine’s capability to implement its accession negotiations. The Stockholm School of Economics has been granted SEK 3 million via the Swedish Institute to train Ukrainian civil servants and diplomats in negotiation skills.

The Government has decided to contribute SEK 25 million to Ukraine to help digitalise the country’s processing of criminal cases. This Swedish support will increase Ukraine’s ability to investigate war crimes committed during Russia’s full-scale invasion. The support will be channelled via the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) in cooperation with the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.

Opinion piece by Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, Svenska Dagbladet, 17 juni 2025.

Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa has presented the Government’s Music Export Prize to songwriter and producer Ilya Salmanzadeh. The Government’s Special Prize was awarded to singer Björn Skifs and the Government’s Honourable Mention went to music publisher Gehrmans Musikförlag.

The Swedish Government has decided to adopt a new strategy for humanitarian aid for 2025—2029. Sida is tasked with its implementation. The humanitarian core mandate of saving lives and alleviating suffering is a government priority. Cost-effectiveness, new transformative approaches and innovation are guiding principles for the strategy.

Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa will present the Government’s Music Export Prize for 2024 on 17 June. The nominees include internationally successful Swedish artists and songwriters.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Children are particularly vulnerable and severely affected under the current circumstances. In light of this, the Swedish Government has decided to allocate SEK 10 million to Save the Children’s efforts in Gaza.

On 3–4 June, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Head of the UNHCR Filippo Grandi is visiting Stockholm for talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, and Minister for Migration Johan Forssell.

Today, the Government has called for nominations for a new annual award to highlight non-governmental Swedish civilian projects for Sweden. Every year, a Swedish organisation and an individual or a group of individuals who have voluntarily undertaken extraordinary projects for Ukraine will receive this award. The recipient will also receive funds to continue their efforts.

Last week, the European Commission presented a strategy to reboot the Single Market. This new strategy contains more than 50 proposals with the aim to make it easier for businesses to trade in the Single Market, with an emphasis on dismantling barriers, creating jobs and stimulating growth.

On 26–27 May, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is travelling to Cairo. He is accompanying a business delegation to promote Swedish exports and increased trade with Egypt. Mr Dousa will also meet with humanitarian organisations to discuss issues such as the acute and unacceptable situation in Gaza.

On Thursday 22 May, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa hosted a business seminar on Moldova. The event in Stockholm aimed to give Swedish businesses deep insight into Moldova’s economic and political development and investment opportunities.

The Government has decided to submit a detailed opinion on the French proposal to ban the sale and possession of white snus. The proposal is far-reaching and involves banning all products containing white snus in France, which would be a restriction of free movement in the EU Single Market.