Defence
This policy area deals with the military defence sector and coordination with the civil defence sector, as well as with issues concerning the national total defence service. The area also includes bilateral and multilateral defence and defence equipment cooperation, admission to Swedish territory, defence intelligence operations and communications security.
Responsible for defence
Responsible ministers
Responsible ministry
News about defence
Riksdag adopts legislation that improves opportunities for operational military support between Sweden and Finland
The Riksdag has voted in favour of the Government's proposal to introduce a new law on operational military support between Sweden and Finland. Photo: Toni Eriksson/Government Offices On 8 September, the Riksdag decided to grant the Government greater rights to give and receive operational military support within the framework of defence cooperation between Sweden and Finland. The Government will be able to take decisions on matters such as assisting Finland militarily to prevent violations of Finnish territory, and receiving military support from Finland to prevent violations of Swedish territory or respond to an armed attack against Sweden. Decisions to assist Finland militarily to respond to an armed attack against Finland must still be approved by the Riksdag.
Development of modern total defence
The total defence includes all activities preparing the society for war and consists of both civil and military defence. When the Government has declared raised or highest level of alert the total defence includes all societal activities
Substantial investment in total defence
In the government bill ‘Totalförsvaret 2021–2025’ (Total Defence 2021–2025), the Government is proposing a substantial increase of capabilities in both military and civilian defence.
International Defence Cooperation
Sweden has extensive defence cooperation with other states and organisations. This cooperation is an integral part of the solidarity-based security policy upon which Sweden builds security together with others. International defence cooperation contributes to strengthening Sweden’s military capabilities to be able to respond to an armed attack.
Defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden
In the autumn of 2013, Sweden and Finland announced their intent to deepen their defence cooperation.
Content about defence
Total 171 hits.
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Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist attended the 100th anniversary of the Polish Armed Forces Day
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist visited Poland on 14–15 August on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Polish Armed Forces Day.
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COVID-19 related issues discussed at NATO meeting
Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist attended a meeting of NATO defence ministers on 18 June concerning the affect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Alliance’s members and partner countries. The meeting was also attended by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, as well as the defence ministers of Finland and Australia.
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Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist met defence ministers from Germany and the Nordic countries
On 18 June, Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist met German Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and the defence ministers of the Nordic countries via video link. From Denmark Minister of Defence Trine Bramsen took part, from Norway Minister of Defence Frank Bakke-Jensen and from Finland Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen.
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Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist’s speech at UK NATO Heads of Mission’s Forum
Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist attended the UK NATO Heads of Mission’s Forum on Monday 15 June 2020. The event was hosted by the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Sweden and Ambassador Judith Gough. The main theme of the conference focused on disinformation and cyber security.
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Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist’s speech at UK NATO Heads of Mission’s Forum
Stockholm 15 June 2020. Check against delivery.
· Speech from Peter Hultqvist, Ministry of Defence
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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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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on military efficiency and strength discussed at Northern Group ministerial meeting on 20 May
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist met his colleagues in the Northern Group security and defence policy forum on 20 May. On the agenda was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national and allied military capabilities and preparedness.
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NATO defence ministers meet to discuss response to COVID-19 crisis
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist attended a video conference meeting of NATO defence ministers on 15 April to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Finland’s defence minister and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell also attended.
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Video conference of EU defence ministers on responses to COVID-19
The EU defence ministers held a video conference on 6 April. They discussed the latest developments and national responses to COVID-19. Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist took part in the video conference from Stockholm.
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Speech by Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist at video conference of foreign affairs ministers (defence)
6 April 2020 Check against delivery.
· Speech from Peter Hultqvist, Ministry of Defence
