Troubled international situation poses a threat to Sweden

“In a troubled international environment, changes occur quickly that could have long-term consequences on Sweden’s security. There is a substantial risk that the security situation could deteriorate further, and this could occur in a way that is difficult to predict. The Swedish Security Service acts to prevent and counter threats to Sweden“, says Charlotte von Essen, Head of the Swedish Security Service.

Hostile foreign powers make use of security-threatening and hybrid activities to destabilise Sweden and Europe. They do so by carrying out unlawful intelligence activities, influence operations, and cyber attacks, and by unlawfully acquiring technology and expertise, and by gathering information on and threatening ideological opponents. The Swedish Security Service has also established that Russia’s risk-taking tendency has increased in its threats to carry out sabotage also in Sweden.

“Considering this great uncertainty, it is important that the Swedish Security Service and the rest of Sweden are prepared for how the situation could develop. We are already working preventively and we are vigilant about new threats and phenomena that could affect Sweden’s security“, says Charlotte von Essen.

The threat associated with hostile foreign powers and violent extremism, is also partly connected with conflicts around the world in which Sweden is used as an arena. Developments internationally affect the terrorist threat towards Sweden, and one of the actors behind this threat could be a hostile foreign power.

The Swedish Security Service states that, apart from violent Islamist extremism, it is also necessary to be vigilant about increased violent right-wing extremism and the propaganda associated with this internationally, which could also affect Swedish security.

At the same time, the Swedish Security Service notes how the spread of xenophobic rhetoric, increased antisemitism, and a normalisation of conspiracy theories could serve as subversive forces and be a breeding ground for violent extremism.

“Anti-state narratives and conspiracy theories could in the worst case develop into subversive activities. We have also noted a development in which violence is a driving force, not least for young people who are engaged in violent extremism”, says Charlotte von Essen.

When the threat posed by hostile foreign powers changes, and new vulnerabilities arise and are exploited, it is essential for security-sensitive organisations to improve their protective security measures on an ongoing basis. The Swedish Security Service has noted that while old vulnerabilities are being addressed by the imposition of stronger protective security measures by security-sensitive organisations and through legislation, hostile foreign powers are finding new ways to carry out security-threatening activities in and against Sweden.

“In the serious international situation that we are experiencing, security sensitive organisations must improve their protective security. Protection must be in place and it must suit what is happening now”, says Charlotte von Essen.