Maria Malmer Stenergard

On Monday 1 June, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard presented the Government’s new Arctic Strategy at the Defences Museum in Boden. In the new Strategy, the Government clarifies Sweden’s Arctic policy interests and priorities. Swedish Arctic policy is reinforced by defining the links between security policy, resilient communities, the economy, and the environment and climate.

On 20–21 May, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The meeting focused on Sweden’s total defence, civil defence and resilience.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding regarding bilateral technology cooperation in Helsingborg on 22 May. This will involve greater opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas such as AI, connectivity, biomedicine, energy, space, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing and defence innovation.

On 21–22 May, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard will welcome Allies to a meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Helsingborg.

Opinion piece by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard in The New York Times, 20 May 2026.

On 17 May, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in Gothenburg. During the visit, the leaders held bilateral meetings and participated in discussions with European business leaders on innovation, climate and trade. HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, and India’s Minister for External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also participated in the programme.

On 17 May, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in Gothenburg on the occasion of Sweden and India upgrading their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Mr Kristersson and Mr Modi also met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

On Sunday 17 May, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, in the presence of HRH The Crown Princess, received India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gothenburg. During the visit, Mr Modi was presented with the Royal Order of the Polar Star by HRH The Crown Princess.

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, Shri Narendra Modi, the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of India, paid an official visit to Gothenburg, Sweden, on 17 May 2026. During the visit, Mr Modi was presented with a special gift symbolising the historic bonds between the two countries.

On 17 May, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will receive Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in Gothenburg. During the visit, the leaders will hold bilateral meetings and participate in discussions with European business leaders on innovation and trade. Mr Kristersson and Mr Modi will also hold joint press statements, together with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. HRH The Crown Princess will also participate in the programme.

Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard regarding the Gaza-bound flotilla

We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and government representatives of the NB8, met in Kuressaare, Estonia on 29-30 April 2026, at a time of rapid change in the international security environment, with heightened geopolitical tensions, Russia continuing its war of aggression against Ukraine, and an urgent need for Europe to step up and take greater responsibility for shaping its future.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is attending a meeting of Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers (NB8) in Kuressaare, Estonia, on 29–30 April. The agenda includes support to Ukraine, constraining Russia’s aggression in the region, boosting European security, current NATO issues and developments in the Middle East.

The EU’s 20th package of sanctions includes comprehensive measures that hit the Russian economy, including Russia’s energy revenues and the shadow fleet. The package also includes measures against sanctions evasion, crypto services and access to sensitive technology used on the battlefield.

Sweden is announcing an additional humanitarian support package to Lebanon of SEK 70 million. The support is being provided in light of the country’s worsening humanitarian situation due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It will contribute to addressing basic needs, protecting the civilian population and creating security for those who have been hardest-hit by the conflict.

Today, 17 April, HM The King and Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard are visiting Lviv to show Sweden’s strong support for Ukraine.

Today, the Government is taking an important step to ensure accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Through two Government Bills, it is proposed that Sweden join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and accede to the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Sweden has played an active role in the establishment of both mechanisms.

On 21–22 May, Sweden will host a meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Helsingborg.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard visited Spain on 26 March. She visited the Swedish Honorary Consulate in Torrevieja and met with expatriate Swedes, civil society organisations and political representatives. Ms Malmer Stenergard also attended the Sweden-Ukraine men’s football World Cup qualifier match.

On 31 March 2026, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is taking part in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers.