THE EUROPEAN – SECURITY AND DEFENCE UNION
From neutrality to active international solidarity
The Swedish path towards a modern defence force by Karin Enström, Minister of Defence, Stockholm
Today's security challenges are dynamic and complex. While some threats are traditional in nature, others are not limited by the boundaries created by states or institutions. Dealing with a security environment of growing complexity requires broad and flexible capabilities. No country in Europe can meet these challenges alone. Sweden’s integration into Europe accelerated during the 1990s and our accession to the EU symbolises how we became one of the most globalised countries.
New international responsibilities
Karin Enström has been Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden since 2012. She was born in 1966. She studied at the Swedish Royal Naval Academy, Karlskrona (1985–1987), the Swedish Royal Naval War College, Berga (1988) and the Swedish Royal Naval War College, Näsby Park (1993). Before taking up her current post, she was Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Swedish Parliament (2010-2012) and Chair of the Swedish Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (2012–2012). Previous parliamentary positions include Chair of the Swedish Defence Committee (2008-2012), Member of the Defence Committee (2002– 2010), Deputy member of the Committee on Social Insurance (20022006) and Deputy member of the Committee on Justice (2000–2002).
The successive interconnectedness with Europe and other partners implied new responsibilities for Sweden, including for security in our region and for our interests abroad. In the early years of the new millennium, it became clear that the concept of neutrality that had characterised Swedish defence policy during the cold war was no longer compatible with or relevant to our situation. Consequently, Sweden abandoned the route of neutrality and chose to embrace solidarity, cooperation and building security with our Nordic neighbours, and with our European and transatlantic partners. Although Sweden is still militarily non-aligned, threats to peace and security are managed in partnership and cooperation with other countries and organisations. The most significant manifestation is the Swedish Solidarity Declaration stating that: Sweden will not remain passive if another EU Member State or Nordic country suffers a disaster or an attack. We expect these countries to act in the same way if Sweden is similarly affected.
operational defence adapted to current threats, was a necessity. We need a defence that, unlike the old model, can be rapidly deployed, when and wherever needed. The security policy outlined in the national defence bill of 2009 requires an accessible defence system adapted to the current threats. Consequently, Sweden is in the midst of an historic and radical defence reform. Evolving from a territorial defence in which quantitative numbers mattered more than quality, the reform will lead to a usable and available military more capable of meeting current and future challenges. It will further strengthen Sweden’s contribution to international peace and security, as well as its ability to respond to threats at home and beyond.
From pure home defence to operational strategy
The defence reform
The reform of Sweden’s defence from a territorial defence, shaped by the threat of invasion during the cold war, to an
The defence reform is the sum of several parts. Changing our manning system is pivotal. The new defence is based on a
The Swedish Gripen fighter aircraft participated in the crisis-management operation in Libya Photo: Billy Johnston/U.S. Air Force
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