This is civil defence

Society must function and the population must be protected

Civil defence is needed to ensure that society can continue to function, even in severely compromised conditions and, ultimately, war. This includes protecting the civilian population and ensuring that the provision of essential goods and services can continue. Civil defence should also support military defence and strengthen the will to defend the country.

Civil defence objective

Total Defence Bill 2025–2030

On 15 October 2024, the Government presented a Total Defence Bill for the period 2025–2030.

New total defence resolution for a stronger Sweden

Everyone is needed and everyone can contribute

Civil defence begins with individual people and their own preparedness. Private individuals can strengthen their preparedness by being ready to go without electricity, access to grocery stores or water for a period of time. The more people who can manage on their own for a while, the better government agencies and organisations can focus on helping those who are in the most difficult situations. Strengthening one’s own preparedness can also involve being aware of influence campaigns and fact-checking sources.

The ‘In case of crisis or war’ brochure

In March 2024, as part of the efforts to strengthen civil defence, the Government tasked the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) with producing an updated version of the ‘In case of crisis or war’ brochure. The new edition of the brochure has been adapted to better reflect the current security reality and provides practical advice to households so that they can act rapidly in a crisis situation. The population’s will to defend itself, resilience and ability to handle a crisis situation are crucial to achieve a strong total defence.

Read and download the brochure in English on MSB’s website

Responsibilities of government agencies

All agencies under the Government should develop good capability to handle their tasks during peacetime crisis situations and states of heightened alert.

There are 61 government agencies that are emergency preparedness authorities of particular importance to society’s civil preparedness. County administrative boards comprise 21 of these agencies. They are divided into six civil areas, and there is an administrative board responsible for each area.

Several of the agencies are part of one or more of 10 identified preparedness sectors. Each sector is led by a responsible agency.

More about civil defence

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has a particular responsibility for civil defence and provides support to government agencies, organisations, businesses and private individuals.

Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency

The Psychological Defence Agency’s responsibilities include identifying, analysing, preventing and countering foreign malign influence activities directed at Sweden. They also provide support to others’ efforts to counter these activities.

Swedish Psychological Defence Agency

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) strengthens Sweden’s capability to prevent, detect and manage cyber threats. The Centre also provides advice and support on threats, vulnerabilities and risks.

National Cyber Security Centre Sweden (in Swedish)

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) strengthens Sweden’s security through activities that build and apply knowledge. The Agency has a theme page with reports on civil defence.

Civil Defence and Emergency Preparedness – Swedish Defence Research Agency