Ministry for Foreign Affairs
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Sweden's missions abroad are responsible for Sweden’s foreign, development cooperation and trade policy.
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Extension of temporary entry ban to Sweden until 31 August 2020 and easing of restrictions for more travellers
To mitigate the effects of the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the outbreak, a temporary ban on entry to the EU via Sweden is in force. The Government today decided to extend the entry ban until 31 August 2020. At the same time, the Government decided to ease the restrictions for more travellers. Today's decision was taken following a Council of the European Union recommendation.
Travel abroad – advice against travel from Sweden to all countries extended
In light of the continued uncertainty regarding international travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MFA has extended the advice against non-essential travel from Sweden to all countries that was decided on 14 March 2020 until 15 July 2020. For countries or areas to which the MFA had advised against travel before 14 March 2020, these decisions still apply. The decision to extend the advice against non-essential travel from Sweden to all countries was taken on 13 May 2020. With this extension, the advice against travel applies until 15 July 2020.
Government communication on the feminist foreign policy
Five years of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy show that it generates results. This is outlined in the Government communication on the policy which was presented by the Government to the Riksdag in September 2019. The feminist foreign policy has, among other things, contributed to support for female members of parliament and entrepreneurs, fewer cases of maternal mortality and unplanned pregnancies, and more resources for gender equality and women’s and girl’s rights. Sweden has also contributed toward mobilising and financing for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Sweden in the UN Security Council
After being elected by a wide margin to the United Nations Security Council, Sweden was a non-permanent member of the Council for the 2017–2018 term. As a principled member of the United Nations Security Council, Sweden took its cue from the foundation stones of international law, human rights, gender equality and a humanitarian perspective. The Swedish working method was characterised by listening, creativity, active diplomacy and an ambition to achieve results.
Feminist foreign policy
Equality between women and men is a fundamental aim of Swedish foreign policy. Ensuring that women and girls can enjoy their fundamental human rights is both an obligation within the framework of our international commitments, and a prerequisite for reaching Sweden’s broader foreign policy goals on peace, and security and sustainable development.
Drive for Democracy
Strengthened engagement for democracy was announced in the 2019 Statement of Foreign Policy and in the Swedish Foreign Service’s strategic vision for the electoral period. Sweden will stand up for democratic principles and support democracy in all contexts. On 21 November 2019, the Drive for Democracy was presented to the Riksdag Committee on Foreign Affairs by Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde and Minister for International Development Cooperation Peter Eriksson.
Content from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs
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Ann Linde and Åsa Lindhagen to participate in Global Pride
The virtual Global Pride festival kicks off on 27 June. Artists, politicians and activists from around the world will take part in the 26-hour livestream event.
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The MFA has extended the advice against travel to countries outside the EU, the EEA and the Schengen area until 31 August, and will remove the advice against travel to a number of countries in the EU, the EEA and the Schengen area as of 30 June
There have been developments recently in the EU, the EEA and the Schengen area that have led to the easing of restrictions that had previously represented obstacles and risks to Swedish travellers. Therefore, as of 30 June, the MFA will remove the advice against non-essential travel to the following countries: Belgium, Croatia, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
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Swedish Government Offices Yearbook 2019
How many people work at the Government Offices? What was the central government budget like last year? How many acts and ordinances were issued last year? The answer to these and other questions can be found in the Swedish Government Offices Yearbook 2019.
· Information material from Government Offices, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Employment, Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Environment, Prime Minister's Office
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Sweden’s response in the global fight against the COVID-19 virus
The COVID-19 outbreak presents an unprecedented global crisis. The worldwide spread of the virus highlights the importance of collaboration and solidarity in tackling global challenges. Sweden continues to stand up for international principles and commitments and to support multilateral organisations working to fight the pandemic and its impacts. With a well-considered response, the international community can together lay the foundations for a more sustainable, equitable and gender-equal world that will be better equipped to manage future crises.
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Government to take action against foreign direct investments in sensitive areas
At the government meeting on 4 June, the Government decided to refer a proposal to the Council on Legislation with the aim of strengthening efforts against foreign direct investments that threaten Swedish security and public order. At the same time, the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) have been given assignments to further develop these efforts.
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Government responds to UN human rights recommendations
The human rights situation in Sweden was reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council at the end of January as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Sweden received 300 recommendations from other UN Member States. The Government has now communicated its position on the recommendations in a report to be submitted to the UN.
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What does the Chair of the OSCE involve?
On 1 January 2021, Sweden will take over the Chair of the OSCE for a period of 12 months. The assignment is a manifestation of Sweden taking responsibility for the OSCE, and also of multilateralism, peace and the upholding of the European security order.
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Statement of the Foreign Ministries of France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden
We regret the announcement by the US Government of its intention to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, although we share their concerns about implementation of the Treaty clauses by Russia.
