Sweden expands resilience net for critical services

The Swedish government has adopted a national strategy to strengthen resilience in essential services for the period 2026 to 2030.

Its stated ambition is that by 2030 Sweden will be able to withstand a broad range of societal disruptions, in crisis and in war. The move reflects what the government describes as a significantly more severe security environment.

- Critical infrastructure has long been identified as a target for threats and attacks, says Carl-Oskar Bohlin, minister for civil defence.

- It is therefore urgent to continue strengthening capabilities at pace, so that critical functions can operate under disrupted conditions. The new strategy clarifies the government’s level of ambition and sets a direction for the work ahead.

Last month, the Danish government also announced plans to strengthen national preparedness. 

Copenhagen will invest DKK 1.2 billion, equivalent to approximately 160 million euro, in 2026 in an emergency package directed at sectors critical to the continuity of essential services.

In Stockholm, Gulan Avci, defence policy spokesperson for the Liberals, describes the strategy as a milestone in ensuring Sweden can manage a broad spectrum of societal disruptions.

She argues that increased uncertainty and complex global pressures require closer alignment between public authorities and private operators to build a more durable and sustainable societal structure.

The strategy responds to the European Union’s 2022 Directive on the Resilience of Critical Entities.