Focus on the Swedish Nato debate

As a member of Nato, Sweden is to actively take part in Nato’s deterrence activities. The concept of deterrence is that one actor persuades a would-be aggressor that an aggression would incur a cost, which would far outweigh any potential gain, material or political. By demonstrating presence, cohesion and capability, an aggressor is deterred from even thinking about attacking a Nato member state. For example, capability may be demonstrated by a joint flyover of a certain area. Nuclear weapons is the ultimate tool of Nato deterrence.

This decision is still pending. The Swedish position is that the Nordic countries are a strategic unit and should be defended collectively. Sweden is of the opinion that all the Nordic countries fall within the same headquarters and operational area, but actual decision has yet to be made.

In accordance with Nato’s article 5, Sweden is to consider an armed attack on another Nato member state as an armed attack on Sweden. However, all member states must agree on invoking article 5 to activate the Nato defence. It is difficult to say exactly how and with what Sweden is to contribute as it depends on the situation and circumstances. But Sweden is obliged to support other member states and take all necessary measures, just as the other member states must assist Sweden.

The risk of an armed attack remains low, but cannot be ruled out. Sweden joins Nato because of the uncertain security situation in the world. Russia’s war in Ukraine is the primary reason for the decision. The Swedish Nato membership is a way to prevent what is now happening in Ukraine to happen in Sweden, but also to reinforce security in our region

No. The assessment made by the parliament, government and the Swedish Armed Forces is that the risk of an armed attack will decrease with the Nato membership. Also, the risk of an armed attack against any other Nato member state decreases as Nato is even stronger with Sweden as an ally.

As a member of Nato, Sweden is to adhere to the commitment of the Nato member states since 2014, and invest at least two per cent of GDP in the defence. At least 20 per cent of the defence budget is to be earmarked for materiel investments. Moreover, Sweden is to contribute to Nato’s civil and military budget, which for Sweden will amount to approximately 50 million euro per year.

Yes. The Nato membership will see a major shift of Swedish defence and security policy. Sweden goes from a close partnership to having 31 allies instead. This means that Sweden and the Swedish Armed Forces will be part of Nato’s collective deterrence and defence. The defence of Sweden will remain the primary task of the Swedish Armed Forces, but also that the defence of Sweden is now part of a larger context.

There are currently no plans to establish Nato bases in Sweden, but the Swedish Armed Forces has been mandated, together with Nato, to make preparations for receiving support and reinforcements from other allies. The overall aim is to create conditions for Sweden, Nato and its allies to conduct activities in order to avert conflict in our region. This requires a certain degree of infrastructure in place. It is too early, however, to give any exact details about what measures will be needed. The development of strong Host Nation Support will continue to be an important area of focus for the Swedish Armed Forces.

Some 200-250 positions are to be manned over a period of seven years. Primarily various types of staff positions – specialists and generalists – in the Nato command structure. Sweden will staff the positions with military and civil personnel.