Ministry for Foreign Affairs

On 29 June, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited Gdynia, Poland for government-level talks. The meeting focused on strengthened bilateral cooperation between Sweden and Poland in the areas of regional security and defence. Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand, Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson and Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz also took part on the trip.

The two earthquakes in Venezuela on 24 June have had a profound impact on the Venezuelan people and exacerbated an already difficult humanitarian situation. Sweden is now providing SEK 25 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuela to support initiatives such as the distribution of food packages, access to clean water, temporary emergency shelter, protection of vulnerable groups and reunification of children and families who have been separated.

Support for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership is an important part of Sweden’s foreign and security policy. Integrating Ukraine into European structures contributes to security and stability in our neighbourhood and strengthens Europe’s resilience to external threats.

The Government has adopted nine new development assistance strategies which will provide a total of around SEK 6 billion for development cooperation in Africa, Latin America and Asia. The new development assistance will be based on evidence of what works and produces concrete results.

Sweden and Poland have successfully finalised negotiations on Poland’s procurement of three A26 submarines from Saab. This agreement is a significant step in strengthening Poland’s maritime capability, while also helping the countries deepen their collaboration on security and industrial policy.

Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), chaired by Sweden, issue the following statement:

Last winter, Ukraine’s electrical grid and power plants were intensively attacked by Russia. Ukraine must now make extensive efforts to ensure the energy supply for the coming winter. The Swedish Government has therefore approved a new support package for Ukraine worth approximately SEK 1.5 billion to support the country’s energy sector in 2026. It is expected to contribute to preparation through repairs, installation of new energy production, material support and enhanced nuclear safety.

On Monday 29 June, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will travel with several ministers to Gdynia, Poland for intergovernmental consultations. The focus will be on strengthened bilateral cooperation between Sweden and Poland, specifically with regard to regional security and defence. Mr Kristersson and Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk will hold a joint press conference during which they will announce a new development in the countries’ bilateral submarine cooperation.

The overarching and long-term objective of Sweden’s Arctic policy is a peaceful and secure Arctic, with sustainable, robust and attractive communities and reduced environmental and climate impact.

Yesterday, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa has presented the Government’s annual award for Swedish volunteer projects in support of Ukraine. The 2026 recipients are Elly Reinolds and OperationChange.

The Government has decided that Sweden will join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Demanding accountability for Russia’s crimes against Ukraine is an important priority for the Swedish Government. The aim is to ensure redress and justice for Ukraine and its people.

On 16 June 2026, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa presented the Government’s 2025 Cultural and Creative Industries Export Prize. This year’s award went to Hazelight Studios, the internationally successful video game company founded by Josef Fares. The Rising Star Award was presented to Hodakova, one of Sweden’s most innovative fashion houses.

The Government has presented a new support package with a focus on democracy and strengthened civil society in Eastern Europe for SEK 30 million for 2026–2028, of which SEK 17 million is earmarked for 2026. The support includes well-established civil society organisations in Europe, with which Sweden has had excellent cooperation over a long time.

Sweden is providing SEK 120 million to support the World Health Organization’s work to achieve better global health, which is of great importance to global health security and people in crisis-affected areas. The WHO’s role is of vital importance and central to how the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is handled.

On 11 June, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard received Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez. Topics of discussion for the meeting included current developments in Panama and internationally, digitalisation issues and trade.

Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States of America condemn the lethal plotting and other malign actions in Europe, North America and Australia by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Intelligence Organisation, Quds Force and Ministry of Intelligence and Security, including those against Iranian dissidents, journalists and Jewish and Israeli communities and interests. We stand united in our determination to protect our countries and our people against these threats. The Islamic Republic of Iran must halt these actions now.

On 16 June 2026, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa will present the Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Export Prize for achievements in 2025. Among the nominees are internationally successful entrepreneurs from across the cultural and creative sectors.

On 8–10 June, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The visit will focus on the regional crisis and Sweden’s bilateral relations with the Gulf States.

The Government has presented a support package focused on democracy and free and fair elections in Eastern Europe for 2026 and 2027. The democracy support totals SEK 13.35 million and will go to local elections observation and greater integrity of elections and resilience against disinformation in Armenia and Moldova.