Government policy

Information about the Government’s work in relation to Sweden’s application for NATO membership is gathered here.

The Swedish Government’s stance is clear: support to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and a stronger Sweden. Sweden, the EU and many other countries are standing with Ukraine. Sweden is assisting Ukraine’s armed forces by providing military equipment and medical supplies, and is increasing its humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Extensive sanctions have been imposed on Russia, and the EU has shut down EU airspace to Russian aircraft. Sweden’s defence capabilities are being reinforced – including the ability to withstand cyber attacks and cyber espionage – and the Government is working closely with all relevant critical infrastructure stakeholders.

Sweden holds the Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the IHRA, twenty plus years after the first Stockholm Forum on the Holocaust and one year after the Malmö Forum, Remember – ReAct. The Presidency, Together for Impact, began on 1 March of 2022 and will continue until the end of February of 2023. Sweden assumes the Presidency at a time when the IHRA is needed more than ever; anti-democratic forces are gaining ground, spreading antisemitism, antigypsyism, disinformation and distortion, not least on social media platforms. The Presidency has two major priorities; following up on the pledges made at the Malmö Forum and focusing on further strengthening the IHRA as an institution.

In spring 2023, Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers). This means that Sweden will lead the work in the Council.

Countries adhering to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises support and promote standards for responsible business conduct through National Contact Points (NCPs). Sweden’s NCP is a tripartite collaboration between the State, the business sector and worker organisations.

The Swedish carbon tax was instituted in 1991, alongside an already existing energy tax, and it remains a cornerstone of Swedish climate policy. Over time, the carbon tax has increased in importance, contributing to a broad range of environmental and climate objectives.

The Swedish Government has presented a range of different measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to mitigate the economic impact of it. The government’s overarching goal is to safeguard people’s lives and health and to secure the health care capacity. The Government’s policy and decisions aim to: • Limit the spread of infection in the country • Ensure health care resources are available • Limit the impact on critical services • Alleviate the impact on people and companies • Ease concern, for example by providing information • Ensure that the right measures are taken at the right time.

The Global Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seek to end poverty and hunger, realise the human rights of all, achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. The Global Goals are integrated and indivisible, and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental.

Gender equality is a fundamental aim of Swedish foreign policy. Ensuring that women and girls enjoy fundamental human rights is an obligation within our international commitments and prerequisite to achieving Sweden’s broader foreign policy goals – peace, security and sustainable development.