Sveriges udenrigserklæring signalerer dybere Ukraine-engagement, mens sikkerhedsdagsordenen udvides

Den svenske regering brugte den 18. februar til at sende en bred hensigtserklæring. Udenrigserklæringen 2026 placerede Ukraine-støtte, transatlantisk sikkerhedssamarbejde og ligestilling som Sveriges vigtigste diplomatiske prioriteter, mens en ny våbenlov, skærpede sanktioner og et Råd mod Organiseret Kriminalitet med fokus på unge gerningsmænd signalerede en regering fast besluttet på at vise styrke udadtil og orden indadtil.

Dagens afgørende øjeblik: Udenrigserklæringen 2026

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) delivered the annual Foreign Policy Declaration to the Riksdag, setting the course for Sweden's international engagement in 2026. The declaration placed Sweden's support for Ukraine at its centre, alongside deepened security-policy cooperation — a natural continuation of Sweden's NATO membership, now entering its second full year.

The declaration also emphasised gender equality as a foreign policy priority, a notable nod given that the Moderate-led coalition has at times been criticised for de-emphasising feminist foreign policy inherited from the previous Social Democrat government. That it featured prominently in the declaration suggests the government is seeking to reclaim this ground on its own terms.

A press conference on Ukraine support was scheduled for the same day, and the government announced SEK 90 million in funding to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), underscoring the humanitarian dimension of Sweden's international posture. The Culture Minister also spoke at a memorial for those who lost their lives in Iran, adding a human rights accent to the day's diplomatic messaging.

Parlamentarisk puls

The Riksdag's committees were active, publishing five reports on February 18th alone. The Social Insurance Committee (SfU) delivered two reports: one on temporarily reduced employer contributions for workers aged 19–23 (SfU11), and another on labour immigration (SfU15). The Defence Committee (FöU) reported on improved controls over explosive goods (FöU13), reflecting the government's security-first legislative agenda.

From February 17th, the Tax Committee (SkU) published reports on controls of cash at internal borders (SkU19) and future data protection frameworks for the Tax Agency, Customs, and the Enforcement Authority (SkU10). Earlier in the week, the Finance Committee (FiU) processed a supplementary budget for Ukraine support and vaccine preparedness (FiU46).

Parliamentary debates covered securities listing rules, police education admissions (a Riksrevisionen audit response), and digitalisation and postal service issues — with speakers from all eight parties contributing to the latter debate, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of digital policy.

Regeringsovervågning

The government's legislative output was substantial. Seven propositions were published on February 17th, led by a comprehensive new Weapons Act (Prop. 2025/26:141) that promises significant relief for legal gun owners while maintaining security controls. The Finance Ministry drove three propositions: on VAT fraud countermeasures (Prop. 2025/26:128), disclosure requirements for beneficial ownership registers (Prop. 2025/26:129), and a new crisis management function for the financial sector (Prop. 2025/26:116).

A major SOU report on asset-oriented crime fighting was delivered to Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, proposing new tools to seize criminal assets — a centrepiece of the government's anti-gang strategy. The Council on Organised Crime met with a specific focus on children and young people involved in serious crime, reflecting growing public concern about juvenile gang recruitment.

Wind power compensation payments to affected municipalities were announced, alongside tighter sanctions for participants in labour market programmes — a move that will likely draw opposition scrutiny.

Oppositionsdynamik

Written questions filed today revealed active parliamentary scrutiny across party lines. SD's Pontus Andersson Garpvall questioned Finance Minister Svantesson about controversies at the Tax Agency, while SD's Björn Söder raised questions about the Palestinian Authority's constitutional proposal and the EU's PDCA agreement with Cuba — reflecting the Sweden Democrats' continued push on foreign policy issues from a coalition support position.

The Social Democrats filed questions on narcotics smuggling via container traffic and scanner equipment shortages at Swedish ports, highlighting border security gaps. The Left Party's Malin Östh questioned AI adoption in the public sector, and the Centre Party raised infrastructure concerns about the Öland Bridge.

Six follow-up motions were filed today in response to government propositions, including on identity requirements for land registration, renewable energy directive permits, and waste legislation reform — indicating active legislative engagement from opposition benches.

Blikket fremad

The committee reports published this week will proceed to chamber debates, with votes expected on employer contribution reductions, labour immigration rules, and explosive goods controls. The Foreign Policy Declaration will frame coming parliamentary debates on defence and international affairs, and the new weapons law proposition will likely generate significant committee discussion.

Several interpellations await responses, including on social dumping between municipalities (three separate interpellations from S), the Syrian regime's attacks on Kurds, and Sweden's position on Western Sahara — suggesting a busy week ahead for ministerial accountability.