STOCKHOLM (Chatnewstv.com) — Sweden’s government on Wednesday proposed a sweeping new civil defence package totaling SEK 12 billion (€1.05 billion) from 2026 to 2028, citing a dramatically deteriorated security situation in its neighborhood.
“This is the most sweeping modernization of Sweden’s total defence since the end of the Cold War,” the Tidö Parties said in a joint statement.
“Much remains to be done, but Sweden’s resilience and capacity to deter must be strengthened.”
The new plan, outlined in the 2026 Budget Bill, calls for better stockpiles of health care products, renovations of protective shelters, new food reserves and stronger municipal preparedness. Allocations will amount to SEK 3 billion in 2026, SEK 4.2 billion in 2027 and SEK 4.6 billion in 2028.
When the government took office, officials said civil defence was underfunded and poorly structured. Funding for civil defence will increase more than sevenfold, from SEK 2.7 billion in 2022 to nearly SEK 19.4 billion in 2028.
Supply preparedness
About SEK 1 billion per year will go toward decentralised supply preparedness between 2026 and 2028, including purchases of civil defence equipment for municipalities and regions.
Health and medical care
The government will invest SEK 4.9 billion into health and medical care resilience over the same period. This includes new blood testing systems aligned with allies, increased medical stockpiles and expanded capacity to care for mass casualties.
Food security
To bolster food and drinking water security, SEK 2.1 billion will be spent on preparedness stockpiles of grain and other critical supplies.
Municipalities and regions
Local governments, deemed the “cornerstone of Sweden’s civil defence,” will receive SEK 4.6 billion to enhance preparedness through investments in meal supply operations and workforce capacity.
Civil protection
Rescue services and civilian protection will receive roughly SEK 1.2 billion through 2028. Funds will accelerate shelter renovations, evacuation planning and the expansion of municipal rescue services.
The civil defence plan is part of an agreement between the government and the Sweden Democrats. Officials said the package complements earlier allocations, including SEK 700 million in 2026, SEK 1.8 billion in 2027 and SEK 2.1 billion in 2028, earmarked for future civil defence priorities.
“Sweden cannot afford to wait,” the government said. “Our people must be protected in crises, peacetime threats and, ultimately, war.”
