Foreign and security policy

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities. The agreement is an important platform for closer cooperation and exchange of experience between Sweden and the US in this area.

Experiences and Lessons Learned

Summary of the Report of the All-Party Committee of Inquiry on Sweden’s Engagement in Afghanistan 2001–2021 (SOU 2024:92).

Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Israel and Palestine on 16–18 December to get an updated picture of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and to hold talks on humanitarian access and support.

Okhmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, was hit by a Russian robot attack earlier this year. The Government then expressed its intention to support the reconstruction of the hospital with almost SEK 10 million to match the amount collected by Beredskapslyftet in private financing. The first part of the support is now being disbursed through a grant of SEK 3 million. Together with the SEK 3 million from the business sector, the aid will go towards equipment and training to secure functioning hospital beds at the children’s hospital, enable vital care and strengthen preparedness for possible patient evacuations.

On 16–17 December, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is participating in a Summit in Tallinn within the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) regional defence cooperation partnership.

The EU has adopted a fifteenth sanctions package in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. These sanctions are one of the primary tools to counteract Russia and support Ukraine by constraining the Russian State’s revenues and military capability. The new sanctions package includes additional measures against the ‘shadow fleet’, circumvention of sanctions and third-country support to Russia.

Today, 16 December, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is taking part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

The Government has decided to contribute an additional SEK 110 million to Ukrainian humanitarian initiative Grain from Ukraine. The support will go to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which is the initiative’s implementing partner. Under the initiative, Ukrainian grain is transported to countries where the need for food is greatest.

Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard, held at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, 11 December 2024. Check against delivery.

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.

Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the fall of the Assad regime

The Government’s strategy Sweden in a digital world – a strategy for Sweden’s foreign and security policy on cyber and digital issues is being launched on 9 December.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard has presented the Royal Order of the Polar Star to US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

On 5 December, the Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers and representatives met with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan in the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Valletta.

On 3–4 December, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard will take part in the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels, which will lay the groundwork ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague in mid-2025. The agenda includes support to Ukraine and cooperation with countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

On 27–28 November, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hosted a summit at Harpsund together with the heads of government of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also took part and stayed for bilateral talks the following day. On the first day, the leaders issued a joint statement on security cooperation. At the end of the second day, Sweden and Poland signed a new strategic partnership.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union.

Today, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met to sign a new strategic partnership between Sweden and Poland. This partnership includes the two countries strengthening their cooperation within security and defence, innovation and competitiveness.

On Thursday 28 November 2024, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a new strategic partnership between Sweden and Poland.

Today, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk are holding bilateral talks at Harpsund. At 14.00, they will sign a new strategic partnership between Sweden and Poland and then hold a joint press conference.