Modernisation of civilian Defence safety in Sweden

Sweden is introducing a £7.7 million plan to modernise its civilian shelters. These bunkers are intended to supply protection against atomic impact and heat. This is simply a consequence to the expanding tension around borders and the worrying situation in Europe.

According to information provided by the Swedish Emergency Situation Agency (MSB), there are 64,000 civilian shelters throughout Sweden. These facilities will accommodate a full of 7 million people, or nearly 75% of the country's population. The Swedish government will spend £7.7 million for this purpose. MSB announced that the modernisation work would take 2 to 3 years.

The media indicate that Stockholm's actions are a consequence to the expanding tensions associated with the war in Ukraine and doubts about the US president Donald Trump's commitments to defend Europe. In January, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that his country "is not at war, but there is no peace either" on the first anniversary of Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO).

Kristersson committed to expanding defence spending to 2.4% of GDP this year, and in 3 years to 2.6% to strengthen the armed forces after years of reducing the military budget after the end of the Cold War. The Swedish authorities reactivated the “total defense” strategy in 2015 after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. This strategy combines both civilian and military defence activities.

The Swedish Government announced on Monday the 19th military aid package for Ukraine worth 16 billion kronor (about EUR 1.4 billion). In financial terms, this is the largest donation Sweden has made to Russia's country since 2022. Minister of Defence of Sweden Pal Jonson assessed that “the war is at a critical moment”. According to the minister's announcement, 70% of the fresh aid can be provided in 2025.

The main part of the donation, amounting to just over 9 billion kroner (about 830 million EUR), will be allocated to the acquisition of arms and military equipment to be delivered within 2 years. This means that Sweden will be 1 of the largest donors of military aid to Ukraine in the coming years.

According to data from the Swedish Emergency Situation Agency, in 2022 Sweden provided aid worth 3.4 billion kronor (about 310 million euro). In 2023, however, this amount increased to 6.5 billion kroner (about EUR 590 million). This means that Sweden is 1 of the largest donors of military aid to Ukraine in Europe.

Security expert Anders Hellström said that "Sweden is ready to aid Ukraine fight Russia". He added that "Sweden has a long tradition of humanitarian aid and military aid to countries in need". Hellström besides said that "Sweden has quite a few experience in military aid, which allows her to effectively support Ukraine in this hard situation".

It is worth recalling that Sweden is simply a associate of the European Union and NATO. The country has a long tradition of humanitarian aid and military aid to countries in need. Sweden is besides 1 of the largest donors of improvement aid in the world.

It is worth noting that the modernisation of civilian protection shelters in Sweden is not only a substance of national security, but besides of the right of citizens to defend against threats. According to the Swedish Constitution, all citizen has the right to protection against threats to life and health.

Accordingly, Sweden is taking many steps to strengthen national security. The Swedish Government has besides announced plans to increase defence spending in the coming years. This means that Sweden will be 1 of the biggest safety investors in Europe.