About the security situation
The Swedish Armed Forces’ assessment of the situation
The security situation has worsened, but the Armed Forces are monitoring developments closely and keeping a vigilant eye over Swedish territory and neighbouring areas around the clock. At the moment, the Swedish Armed Forces are not seeing any disturbing movements at the country's borders, but an armed attack cannot be ruled out. You can read more about the security situation on the Swedish Armed Forces’ website (in Swedish).
Sweden applies to join NATO
On 16 May, the Government decided that Sweden should apply to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Government believes that Swedish membership in NATO is the best way to protect Sweden’s security in light of the deteriorating security situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
What’s next?
When a country has applied to join, NATO organises membership negotiations. At the end of the process, the NATO countries need to approve the new country and ratify a so-called application protocol in their national parliaments.
Advice against travel to Ukraine and Russia
The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Utrikesdepartementet, UD) advises against all travel to Ukraine and urges all Swedes to leave the country. Ukraine has imposed a state of emergency and movement in the country may be restricted.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs also advises against all travel to Russia.
MSB's assessment of the impact on society
According to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB (Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap), the war in Ukraine has so far had a limited impact on Swedish society. There is a risk that there might be a shortage of certain important goods and services. This is something the authorities are following closely and the the authorities concerned are responsible for taking the necessary measures.
During the month of March, there have been several attacks of overloading against various authorities and also against the finance and transport sector. This does not necessarily mean that the attacks have increased, but can be explained by the fact that the players are currently paying extra attention.