Johan Frisell

Nordic-Ukrainian security policy consultations in Kyiv with a focus on how to further support Ukraine politically and militarily. The visit coincided with the 1000th day of the Russian full-scale invasion - a day to show our solidarity with the Ukrainians. @swemfa.bsky.social

The Swedish government has adopted a new Strategy against violent extremism and terrorism, to address a threat that has become more complex and more difficult to fight, for the first combining the two areas in the same strategy. Link (in Swedish): www.regeringen.se/rattsliga-do...

Sweden has adopted a National Action Plan 2024-2028 for the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security. Gender equality is a core Swedish value and a prerequisite for equal rights, freedom and democracy. www.government.se/contentasset...

Swedish Prime-Minister Kristersson: Once a NATO ally, Sweden will contribute with a reduced battalion to the Canadian-led brigade in the NATO Forward Defence in Latvia.

The Swedish Defence Commission submitted its report on civilian defence, proposing that the civilian component of the total defence must rapidly increase its capacity. A strong Swedish total defence will be a part of NATO’s deterrence. www.government.se/articles/202...

Swedish Foreign minister Tobias Billström met his Latvian counterpart Krišjānis Kariņš, which marked the handover of the chair of Nordic-Baltic cooperation. In 2024, Sweden will coordinate Nordic and Nordic-Baltic political cooperation and it will chair the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The Swedish government has adopted a new strategic direction for Sweden’s development assistance to make it more relevant, with a focus on long-term sustainability, transparency and effectiveness, and linking development assistance and trade. www.government.se/press-releas...

”Lessening support to Ukraine now is not an option. Now is the time to harness support and stick to our plans to help Ukraine be successful in the war, rebuild, and defend itself in the long run.” Nordic countries’ leaders as they meet Ukrainian President. www.government.se/statements/2...

The European Union is getting closer to an agreement on an ”Artificial Intelligence Act”, i.e. regulations for the use of AI in Europe that is safe, respects human rights and promotes innovation. This could set standards world-wide. www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...

Sweden aligns itself with the statement of the EU High Representative and expresses full solidarity with the United Kingdom. Russian cyber and influence operations against democratic processes are of great concern. www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...

In the light of the NATO accession and the new security situation, the Swedish government has launched an inquiry to review the Swedish regulations on manufacturing, supply and export of military equipment; regulations for sub-contractors; conditions for international cooperation, and more.

During his visit to the United States, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson will today meet US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin to sign the bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement, which gives a framework for i.a. American military presence and investments in Sweden.

Important week ahead for Euro-Atlantic security:

Tuesday-Wednesday: NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels, with Washington Summit preparations and a meeting in NATO-Ukraine Council

Thursday-Friday: OSCE Ministerial in Skopje, with focus on Russia’s aggression on Ukraine

Joint Swedish-Finnish consultations with the US State Department and NSC/White House on security policy confirmed the strong American support for our NATO membership. Preparations for the Washington Summit of NATO are starting. Support to Ukraine will be sustained over time.

Today’s Review Conference on Civilian CSDP highlights the utility of civilian crisis management tools in the current strategic situation. EU member states and the EU External Action Service are working to implement the Civilian CSDP Compact. #CSDP

The European Commission’s recommendation to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on EU accession is highly important and much welcome. These countries belong to the EU family! ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

Swedish foreign and defence ministers Billström and Jonson held talks with their Finnish counterparts Valtonen and Häkkänen in Helsinki, covering bilateral and Nordic-Baltic cooperation, critical infrastructure, JEF, NATO and Ukraine.

United Nations Security Council has by its resolution 2706 extended the mandate of EUFOR Althea, the EU military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing the mission to continue supporting the Bosnian armed forces and a safe and secure environment. press.un.org/en/2023/sc1547…

Sweden and the USA have finalized negotiations on a Defence Cooperation Agreement. This agreement lays the foundation for American military support to Sweden and Northern Europe. Subsequently, the agreement will signed, published and ratified by parliament.

Swedish government has appointed former PM Carl Bildt to lead an inquiry into the Swedish intelligence services; to identify the evolving needs of the government, the impact of new technologies, the consequence of NATO membership, the organization of the intelligence services, and more.

This week the Nordic Council and governments meet in Oslo. 🇩🇰🇫🇮🇮🇸🇳🇴🇸🇪 Prime Ministers will discuss i.a. total defence, preparedness and security of supply tomorrow. Foreign, defence and Nordic cooperation ministers meet on Wednesday. In uncertain times, the Nordics work closer.

The European Union Council has approved a revision of the EU Maritime Strategy. This is an improved framework for the EU to protect its interests at sea, and to protect its citizens, values and economy. The strategy aligns with the Strategic Compass.

www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...

NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg met Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson, Foreign Minister Billström and Defence Minister Jonson during his visit to Stockholm. Talks covered the steps towards Swedish NATO accession, Sweden’s role as Ally and the road to the NATO Washington Summit.