Sweden will prioritise defence against Russia

Significance

Defence policy is a larger issue in this year’s election, scheduled for September 9, than in previous ones. While voter confidence in the government's defence policy is generally high, the four centre-right opposition parties are campaigning on a platform of further strengthening national defence and discussing NATO membership.

Impacts

• Sweden has traditionally been sceptical of stronger EU defence cooperation but is adopting a more pragmatic stance in light of Brexit.
• Swedish-Finnish defence ties are likely to deepen, with encouragement by the United States.
• Any suspicion of Russian interference in the upcoming election will be a serious concern.