The global situation affects Sweden´s national security

Published 12 January 2023

Russia poses a serious threat to Sweden’s security. Russian intelligence activities and other security-threatening activities tageting Sweden can be expected to increase. At the same time, global developments contribute to a wider subversive threat.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed the European security order to it score, and the same is true for the security situation in Sweden.

”The Russian regime’s actions are unpredictable, and Russia poses a serious threat to Sweden’s national security. This threat should be seen in the context of Russia considering Sweden to be part of Europe and part of NATO, and we can expect Russian security-threatening activities targeting Sweden to increase,” says Charlotte von Essen, Head of the Swedish Security Service.

The Swedish Security Service has identified three sectors where there is reason to be especially vigilant in order to counter espionage and sabotage. These sectors are energy supply, telecommunications, and critical transports. An attack on Sweden in one of these sectors could harm the rest of Europe as well.

The Swedish Security Service sees a development where Russia, to a greater extent than before, is expected to use non-official platforms – such as the Russian diaspora, institutions and companies in Sweden, and cyberattacks – to gather information. This may also involve other security-threatening activities, such as sabotage, disinformation, or the regime using violent extremists to destabilise Swedish society.

The deteriorated security situation leads to a wider subversive threat. The Swedish Security Service has noted an increased spread of conspiracy theories and anti-government rhetoric, which, in the long run, risks undermining trust in public institutions, political decision-making, and the legitimacy of the government.

“As a result of these developments, widespread extremism may give rise to attack threats and subversive threats alike. These developments play into the hands of hostile states. Fewer people standing up for democracy risks hurting our resilience and our will to defend ourselves,” says Charlotte von Essen.

Published

 12 January 2023

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