Carl-Oskar Bohlin

In light of the serious security environment, the Government has proposed a number of investments in civil defence and crisis preparedness in the Budget Bill for 2024 and the autumn amending budget for 2023.

On 29 August, Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin held a press conference with acting Director General of the Psychological Defence Agency Magnus Hjort. They presented a status report on the extensive malign influence campaigns targeting Sweden. They also announced a new assignment for the Psychological Defence Agency, accompanied by increased funding.

Today, Wednesday 26 July, Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin held a press briefing on recent influence campaigns against Sweden. Mikael Östlund, Head of Communications at the Psychological Defence Agency (MPF), also took part.

In the 2023 Spring Amending Budget, the Government proposes that the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority be allocated SEK 25 million for further investigations of the M/S Estonia in 2023. As part of its investigations, the Authority will salvage the vessel’s bow ramp and photograph and film the vehicle deck.

Foreign direct investments are hugely important to Sweden’s business sector. At the same time, there are risks associated with foreign actors investing in protected activities. The Government has therefore today decided to refer a proposal to the Council on Legislation for a new act under which investments that involve security risks can be reviewed by a special screening authority and, if necessary, prohibited.

(New version) Sweden has pledged an additional EUR 6.8 million to the response in Syria, where the earthquakes have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis. On 12 February, 300 family tents were transported to Türkiye. To date, Sweden has contributed approximately EUR 10.1 million in support for those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

Today, Thursday 9 February, Sweden has sent an additional 45 personnel and search and rescue dogs by transport aircraft to Türkiye. This joint contribution by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the Swedish Armed Forces is part of Sweden’s support to those affected by the devastating earthquakes, and a response to a request from Türkiye.

In response to the humanitarian situation following the powerful earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria, the Swedish Government has taken a swift decision to provide an additional SEK 30 million in humanitarian support and to contribute experts and equipment. The Government has also authorised the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency to offer support via NATO.

On Tuesday 7 February, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin will hold a press conference on a new support package to earthquake-stricken Türkiye and Syria.

The Government is taking swift and resolute action in response to the earthquake that hit Türkiye and northern Syria today, through support measures and in its role as holder of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

On Monday 6 February at 17.00, Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell and Director General for the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) Charlotte Petri Gornitzka will hold a joint press conference on Swedens support to Türkiye and Syria.

Speech by Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin, delivered at the Folk och Försvar Annual National Conference in Sälen on 9 January 2023. Check against delivery.

During the Hanaholmen Initiative in Helsinki on November 1, Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin gave a speech on Swedish-Finnish cooperation for civil defence. The speech was held at Hanaholmen Konferenshotell. Check against delivery.