Morgan Johansson

The EU Member States have agreed to assist each other when crisis or disaster strikes. Sweden has requested this assistance, activating the Civil Protection Mechanism, and is receiving help from several countries to fight the forest fires currently raging in Sweden. Assistance mobilisation has been coordinated through the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC).

Rescue services, government agencies and local authorities are engaged in intensive efforts in response to the forest fires raging around the country, the widespread drought and the ongoing heat wave. More information about these efforts is available below. Crisis preparedness is part of the remit of every government agency and authority.

The prolonged heat and drought have impacted many sectors of society. There have been numerous forest fires, the agricultural sector has been severely affected by the drought and groundwater levels have dropped. The extreme temperatures can also cause health problems, especially among older people and the sick. The Government is following developments closely and taking the necessary decisions. The Government Offices is in continuous contact with the responsible government agencies.

On Monday 6 August, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Morgan Johansson visited Färila in Hälsingland, Sweden, together with European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

On 26 July, the Government decided to allow the the Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) to request international assistance from countries not included in the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism to fight the ongoing forest fires in Sweden.

The Government has decided to prolong internal border controls for an additional six months, up to and including 11 November 2018. The decision was taken in accordance with EU legislation and the Government's assessment that there is still a threat to public order and domestic security.

The Government has presented a bill to the Riksdag containing a proposal concerning new sexual offence legislation that is based on consent. Sex must be voluntary – if it is not, then it is illegal. The Swedish Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority has been tasked with informing young people about the new legislation.

The Government is proposing a new camera surveillance act. The permit requirement will be removed in some cases, and it will be easier for the police and municipalities, for example, to receive permits for camera surveillance.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Morgan Johansson has presented an offensive package of measures to fight international burglary rings. The measures will strengthen preventive efforts by the responsible authorities, and criminal investigation activities will be intensified.

The Government’s sixth gender equality policy sub-target is that ‘Men’s violence against women must end’. Women and men and girls and boys must have the same rights and opportunities to bodily integrity.