Emergency preparedness

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.

There is a great need to develop cyber security in Sweden. This national cyber security strategy is an expression of the Government's overarching priorities and is intended to constitute a platform for Sweden's continued development work within the area.

This national security strategy sets out the focus and establishes a framework for the work required to collectively safeguard Sweden’s security, within and between different policy areas. This strategy aims to strengthen our ability to effectively and concertedly prevent and tackle immediate and long-term threats and challenges.

On 20 September 2017, the Government presented the Budget Bill for 2018 to the Riksdag. The budget contains comprehensive investments in the Swedish Police Authority, other parts of the judicial system and civil defence. The Budget Bill is based on an agreement between the Government and the Left Party.

The Government is presenting a national strategy for developing and enhancing cyber security in Sweden.

The Government has instructed the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency to develop national information materials containing concrete tips for what every private individual can do to prepare themselves for crises and situations of heightened alert, and to increase knowledge of the information influence that may be exerted on people in Sweden. To strengthen the preparedness of the whole of society, planning for civilian defence continues on an ongoing basis at the agencies that have a particular responsibility before and during situations of heightened alert.