Government policy

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden has provided extensive military, humanitarian and other civilian support to Ukraine. Sweden also provides economic support, assistance with civilian crisis management and support to Ukraine’s reform efforts and reconstruction. Since February 2022, Sweden has contributed approximately SEK 153,5 billion to various initiatives supporting Ukraine (3 June 2026). Together with the EU, Sweden has also decided on extensive macroeconomic support initiatives and several sanctions packages against Russia. Sweden supports Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a fair and sustainable peace based on international law and the UN Charter.

On 21–22 May, Sweden will host the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Helsingborg. As host country, Sweden is demonstrating its intent to be an active and constructive NATO Ally.

With the Music Export Prize, the Government aims to recognise achievements in the music industry that have put Sweden in the spotlight over the past year, thereby contributing to Swedish exports and to a modern image of Sweden abroad.

No country has been lifted out of poverty through international development assistance alone. Trade, investment in education, infrastructure, economic reforms and domestic resource mobilisation are also required. In December 2023, the Government presented its reform agenda, a new strategic direction for Swedish development assistance that points the way – Development assistance for a new era – freedom, empowerment and sustainable growth. The Government is reforming Swedish development assistance to make it more relevant, with a focus on long-term sustainability, transparency and effectiveness.

The Swedish electoral system is fundamentally robust and difficult for antagonists to manipulate. Government agencies at central, regional and local level have extensive experience of conducting elections correctly, observing due process. However, the current security situation, rapid pace of technological developments and experience from other elections in Europe have highlighted a need to increase resilience to foreign malign information influence ahead of the general elections on 13 September 2026.

Promoting respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law has long been a priority of Swedish foreign policy – as a prerequisite for peace and sustainable development globally, but also as a vital Swedish interest. A world dominated by strong democracies that respect human rights and the rule of law is the most favourable international environment conceivable for an open, democratic and export-dependent country such as Sweden in which to operate.

The climate crisis is a global crisis. We are all affected by climate change, regardless of where emissions occur. That is why it is in Sweden’s interest to contribute to the green transition and to fossil-free energy worldwide. Sweden’s contribution to climate finance is an integral part of Swedish climate policy.

Digital technology now affects almost every aspect of Swedish society and the economy. Technological advancements are emerging at a record pace, and there are no signs of them slowing down. On the contrary, we are facing continued acceleration. As the security situation has deteriorated and cyber threats have increased both in number and complexity, ever greater demands are being placed on Sweden’s capability to secure, protect and strengthen society’s functions – including in the cyber domain.

80 years have passed since the first UN Member States signed the United Nations Charter in 1945. Since then, the UN’s mandate has been to maintain international peace and security and support international cooperation. However, polarisation between Member States is affecting the current climate of cooperation within the organisation. Current world events have put the UN under strong political and financial pressure, which will necessitate sweeping reforms and efficiency measures.

Sweden needs to build new nuclear reactors to safeguard future electricity needs, improve supply reliability in the electricity system and help ensure competitive electricity prices for customers nationwide. To incentivise companies to invest in new nuclear reactors, the Government is introducing state aid tailored to the risks associated with such investments. The new state aid is limited to investments of up to a total installed capacity of approximately 5 000 MW, which corresponds to four large-scale reactors. This page provides collated information about the state aid for investment in new nuclear power.

The Government is carrying out a responsible and long-term sustainable overhaul of the regulatory frameworks concerning migration. This means Sweden is redirecting its focus from being a country for asylum immigration to now being a country for labour immigration. Sweden needs to continue to attract foreign experts, researchers and talents in order to strengthen Swedish competitiveness and Sweden’s status as a research nation. Asylum immigration is at its lowest level since 1985. Reduced asylum immigration creates better conditions for successful integration. The Government believes in every individual’s motivation. Integration policy should enable more people to fully become part of, and contribute to, Swedish society. This is one of the prerequisites for the long-term sustainable financing of social welfare.

Sweden joined the European Union on 1 January 1995, which makes this the 30th anniversary of Sweden’s EU membership. This will be marked with a variety of activities throughout the year.

A strategy for Sweden’s foreign and security policy on cyber and digital issues. This strategy aims to enhance Sweden’s security, prosperity and competitiveness through a cohesive and integrated foreign and security policy on cyber and digital issues. By reinforcing a global, open, free and secure cyberspace based on the rule of law, Sweden can strengthen its international role and influence.

The most substantial reinforcement of the total defence since the Cold War is now taking place. Sweden is rapidly rearming in an international context and making major investments in both the civil and the military defence. A powerful Swedish total defence strengthens the security of both Sweden and NATO.

Government appropriations to military defence will be allocated an additional SEK 10 billion in 2026 and, including upward adjustments and previous decisions, appropriations will increase by SEK 26.6 billion from 2025 to 2026. This represents an increase of 18 per cent. Appropriations for military defence total SEK 175 billion for 2026.

The Strategy for Sweden’s foreign trade, investment and global competitiveness outlines a new holistic approach to creating the best possible conditions for Swedish companies to grow, develop and assume leading positions in tomorrow’s global markets.

Sweden builds security together with others. Sweden’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a cornerstone in this work. In addition, Sweden has extensive defence cooperation with other countries, both in the form of bilateral cooperation between Sweden and another country and multilateral cooperation with several countries.

Updates and the latest information on the Government’s work in response to the situation in Israel and Palestine can be found here.

In the first half of 2023, the Swedish Government launched the defence innovation initiative to increase the capacity and pace of innovation in the defence industry. This initiative should create added value through increased and enhanced collaboration within and between the business sector and government agencies in various sectors. The purpose is to strengthen Sweden’s security and national defence capability and boost competitiveness in the defence industry.

In Sweden, everyone must be able to live a secure life without fear of being a victim of crime, regardless of who they are or where they live. To counteract the major challenges connected to crime and insecurity in our country, investments in the judicial system and criminal law measures must be combined with effective and proactive crime prevention efforts. The Government’s national strategy Barriärer mot brott (Barriers to crime) is an important part of these efforts. The focus of the strategy is social crime prevention efforts, including the prevention of children and young people from becoming involved in criminal networks and other crime, and ensuring that those who do commit crimes leave that world behind.