Security is built together and is bigger than defense. The government’s most prioritized policy area today is Sweden’s internal and external security. Investigations are ongoing, the legislative apparatus is in full swing, and a bouquet of government assignments has been given to the authorities. All in all, regulations are changing for many industries and business areas.
Sofia Arkelsten
Senior Director, Practice Lead Public Affairs / Corporate Communications
+46 70 358 44 43
MailSecurity is built together and is bigger than defense. The government’s most prioritized policy area today is Sweden’s internal and external security. Investigations are ongoing, the legislative apparatus is in full swing, and a bouquet of government assignments has been given to the authorities. All in all, regulations are changing for many industries and business areas.
Societal security is a shared responsibility, and everyone should participate. Sweden is transitioning to a new normal. The proposals also have generally broad support in the Swedish parliament.
It is a strategic choice for companies to take an active part and contribute to ensuring that politicians can make the best possible decisions and achieve laws and regulations that hit the mark. The alternative is to wait for new regulations that change business conditions and then adapt. It is possible to combine responsibility for societal security with good competitive conditions, but it is difficult for those sitting on the sidelines to make an impact.
There is a growing demand for business life to not only avoid making mistakes but rather to contribute to a larger extent. More and more sectors of society are seen as defense and preparedness. More and more technologies have dual uses. For politics, most things are seen as security policy tools. Even trade policy. Societal security is part of resilience, of Sweden’s sustainability.
Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine naturally affects the people in Ukraine the most. In addition, the war also has repercussions for the surrounding area, geopolitics, capital markets, and the economy.
Investments in defense and security are increasing dramatically. The EU increases defense cooperation. Sweden will join NATO. The effectiveness of sanctions is debated, and other countries increasing importation are investigated. Foreign direct investments in Sweden are screened in advance, and strategic infrastructure is protected.
Sweden’s interests should be safeguarded in an uncertain world. We live in an open and trade-dependent economy. Global value chains increase the vulnerability in supply issues. In addition, the effects of climate change affect societal security. There is a saying in politics that goes: things are as they are until they are different. Now it is like this. Everyone can and needs to contribute.