A safer Sweden is a richer one.
Sweden Embarks on Historic Military and Civilian Buildup
Sweden, in collaboration with its closest allies, has successfully advocated for a historic buildup of military and civilian capabilities across all NATO allies. This initiative is primarily aimed at safeguarding our nation, but it will also benefit Swedish businesses and create jobs. By enhancing Sweden’s security, we can simultaneously bolster its prosperity.
Russia’s ongoing war underscores the imperative for Sweden and the rest of Europe to take our security seriously. While Putin’s regime is currently preoccupied with Ukraine, it could potentially redirect its attention towards other neighboring countries within a few years after a ceasefire. The images of bombed Ukrainian cities could easily be replicated elsewhere.
Russia’s Long-Term Strategy involves allocating over 40 percent of its state budget to security and defense. This clearly indicates that they remain a threat to security in our part of the world. The outcome of the war will significantly shape Swedish security for generations to come.
Therefore, Sweden pushed for NATO to adopt a new and more ambitious target – and we succeeded. The decision to allocate a total of 5 percent of GDP to defense, with 3.5 percent earmarked for military expenditures and an additional 1.5 percent for civilian infrastructure, cyber security, and related areas, will strengthen NATO and enhance Sweden’s security. However, setting new and higher goals is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in translating words into action and ensuring that all countries meet these targets. There will be very little room for free riders.
Sweden is currently at the forefront of this effort. We are increasing our defense spending faster than any other Nordic country and will allocate more funds to the Swedish Armed Forces than at any time since the Cold War. We are also determined to reach 3.5 percent for military expenditures by 2030. In total, Sweden is investing over 500 billion kronor extra to finance the buildup over ten years. Our peace, freedom, and democracy are far from free. The new target and the serious security situation mean that more money needs to be allocated to defense.
This means that more young people will be required to perform military service. This is a duty, but also a great opportunity. It will also create significant opportunities for the business sector.
Investments in our stronger defense will have far-reaching effects. We will invest in innovation and research. New technologies are currently being developed in advanced communication, AI, and cybersecurity. These technologies will not only strengthen our defense but will also have spillover effects in civil society and the economy. The possibilities should not be underestimated. It is easy to forget that many innovations we take for granted today originated in military research, from super glue and duct tape to microwave ovens and GPS.
Conversely, investments in technology used in the civilian sector today can be used militarily, strengthening our deterrence and providing Sweden with opportunities for increased exports to like-minded countries that are also building up their defenses.
This represents a technological boost for all of Sweden. It is also an opportunity to train a new generation of experts in leadership, security, and future technology.
The buildup also affects our labor market in more ways than just increased competence. An additional 5,000 people are expected to be employed within the Armed Forces. 6,000 new jobs were created in the defense industry last year. And we expect thousands more jobs to be created through indirect effects in logistics, technology, education, and community service.
The investments that lie ahead will not come without a cost. And we will ensure that every taxpayer krona we use will provide maximum benefit. But Sweden needs a growing economy. To meet our major commitments – with defense, climate transition, and welfare – we must pursue a policy that systematically promotes growth, strengthens the business sector, and increases competitiveness. We need reforms that make Sweden richer.
That is why this government is making historic investments in infrastructure, research, and employment. When Sweden becomes richer, we also become safer. We will need to cut red tape to make it easier to run businesses and build in our country, especially for those companies that contribute to our buildup.
Ultimately, this is a task that falls on our entire country, and it is one of our generation’s great tasks. This requires responsibility and difficult priorities. That we stay the course and do not begin to neglect fundamental issues such as taxes, immigration, or crime. We are getting Sweden in order. That is a hygiene factor. But now we must also begin to build Sweden for the future. Then security and competitiveness must go hand in hand.
Ulf Kristersson (M), Prime Minister
Enjoyed this post by Thibault Helle? Subscribe for more insights and updates straight from the source.
