Government frees up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for increased support to Ukraine and humanitarian initiatives

The Government is continuing to reform Swedish development assistance. The changes now being made in the development assistance budget are considered necessary given the changing international situation. 

“We’re living in a troubled world with many crises. Human suffering is enormous in a number of places – particularly Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Yemen. The situation in many countries has been further exacerbated by the United States’ decision to suspend parts of its development assistance. Sweden is therefore choosing to step forward with an extensive reprioritisation of its 2025 development assistance budget. We’re freeing up SEK 1.67 billion for support to Ukraine and life-saving initiatives around the world. Sweden can’t make up for the cuts by the US, but we must do everything we can to support Ukraine and save lives,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

This reprioritisation affects all geographic appropriation items except for Ukraine and Sweden’s neighbourhood. Cuts are also being made in thematic development assistance. These changes are being managed responsibly without reneging on existing agreements.

The Government is also phasing out the Strategy for regional development cooperation with Asia and the Pacific region as a further step in its ambition to go from aid to trade in this part of the world. Even greater focus will be placed on relations with individual countries to uphold cooperation and Swedish interests in the region. Sweden’s bilateral development assistance to Afghanistan will be discontinued as well.

“Sweden has provided both development and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan for many years, but right now the possibilities of continued long-term development assistance are limited. However, we do see a considerable need for humanitarian support that Sweden will continue to provide. The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan remains a key issue for the Swedish Government,” says Mr Dousa.

A crucial reason for freeing up these funds is to be able to provide additional support to Ukraine.

“Support to Ukraine and Sweden’s neighbourhood is an existential matter for Europe. Ukraine is Sweden’s foremost priority in terms of development assistance policy and foreign policy. Increased support is needed in order to resist a Russia that doesn’t hesitate to open fire on playgrounds, hospitals, schools and homes. Ukraine isn’t just fighting for its own freedom, but also for Europe’s,” concludes Mr Dousa.