Sweden's Annual Foreign Policy Debate: Riksdag Takes on Global Challenges

The Annual Debate

The utrikespolitisk debatt—Sweden's annual foreign policy debate—is one of the Riksdag's most significant set-piece events. Held each February, it allows all eight parliamentary parties to outline their foreign policy positions and challenge the government's international agenda. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) opened the debate at 09:00, setting the stage for what promises to be a wide-ranging discussion on Sweden's role in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

The debate takes place against a backdrop of major international developments: the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, evolving EU security architecture following Sweden's NATO membership, and growing instability in the Middle East. With Sweden now firmly anchored in NATO, the government faces questions about how membership shapes the country's traditional commitment to neutrality, development aid, and multilateral diplomacy.

New Parliamentary Questions Signal Opposition Priorities

Even as the debate unfolded, opposition MPs filed four new written questions today revealing the fault lines in Swedish foreign and domestic policy:

Björn Söder (SD) submitted two questions targeting the Foreign Ministry: one on the Palestinian Authority's new constitutional proposal (Q 2025/26:524) and another on the EU's PDCA agreement with Cuba (Q 2025/26:521), pressing Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa on whether the agreement should be reviewed given Cuba's human rights record.

Mikael Larsson (C) raised the Öland Bridge question (Q 2025/26:523) with Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson (KD), highlighting critical maintenance needs for this vital link to Sweden's second-largest island. Malin Östh (V) challenged Civil Minister Erik Slottner (KD) on conditions for expanded AI use in the public sector (Q 2025/26:522).

Ministerial Accountability on Display

The government also published a wave of ministerial answers today. Among the most politically charged: PM Ulf Kristersson (M) responded to questions about the police report filed against the national security advisor. Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M) addressed two separate questions on teenage deportations. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) responded to inquiries about judiciary oversight.

Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) fielded questions on light pollution, national parks in Blekinge, and environmentally harmful financial flows—reflecting growing pressure on the government's environmental credentials.

New Interpellation on Athlete Security

Social Democrat Åsa Eriksson filed a new interpellation (2025/26:342) demanding answers from the Social Affairs Minister on security for elite athletes and cultural workers—a topic gaining urgency amid rising threats against public figures in Sweden.