2010

Press release 09 July 2010 Ministry of Defence Ministry for Foreign Affairs A strategy for 's overall involvement in Afghanistan The Government today adopted a strategy for Swedish support for international involvement in Afghanistan. In the strategy, the Government establishes objectives for Swedish support and guidelines for how the operations are to contribute to fulfilling the commitments made by the UN Security Council and supported by the EU and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

"Sweden's involvement in Afghanistan is long-term and one of the most important expressions of our commitment to international peace, democracy and development," say Minister for Foreign Affairs , Minister for International Development Cooperation and Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors in a joint statement.

The Government recently presented an official website for Swedish support for international involvement in Afghanistan.

The website gathers information on how we are working in Afghanistan and the different aspects of the Swedish operation - diplomatic, military, civilian and development cooperation. It contains background information on Swedish and international involvement, and facts about the country of Afghanistan.

The website has been developed by the Government Offices in cooperation with the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), Sida and the National Police Board.

Contact Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00 Peter Larsson +46 8 405 10 00 Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00

Press release 23 June 2010 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Defence Official website for Swedish support for international involvement in Afghanistan Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors today launched a web portal for Swedish support for international involvement in Afghanistan. The portal will be an gateway for anyone wishing to know more about why and how Sweden is involved in Afghanistan.

"Sweden's involvement in Afghanistan is long-term and is one of the most important expressions of our commitment to international peace, democracy and development. We want to report, in a simple and coordinated way, on why Sweden is involved in Afghanistan, what we do and how we do it," say Mr Bildt, Ms External links Carlsson and Ms Tolgfors in a joint statement. Official website for Swedish support for international The portal gathers information on how we are working in Afghanistan and the different aspects of the Swedish involvement in Afghanistan operation - diplomatic, military, civilian and development cooperation. It contains background information on the Swedish and international involvement and facts about the country of Afghanistan.

The portal has been developed by the Government Offices in cooperation with the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, Sida and the National Police Board.

Contact Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00 Peter Larsson +46 8 405 10 00 Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00 2009

Press release 14 May 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 21-22 2009

Subject to change.

For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 18 May Travel in Sweden

20 May Party leader debate ahead of European Parliament election,

25 May Travel in Sweden

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 18 May Participation in GAERC, Brussels Visit to Göteborg, Sweden

21 May Visit to Warsaw Visegrad Meeting

24-26 May ASEM, Hanoi

27-28 May Visit to Phnom Penh

Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 18 May Visit to Göteborg, Sweden

19 May Visit to Almi Företagspartner (Almi Business Partner)

19 May Dialogue meeting on the export ban on Swedish snuff in the EU internal market

20 May Advisory Committee on EU Affairs, Riksdag Meeting with World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick at World Bank meeting, Helsinki

25 May Speech at Africa Day Seminar on Strategic Partnerships for African Development, Stockholm 27 May Main speaker and award presenter at SwedenBIO's Annual General Meeting

27 May Informal meeting with African ambassadors based in Stockholm on EPA negotiations

28 May Competitiveness Council, Brussels

29 May Visit to Tranås, Sweden

Press release 19 March 2009 Ministry of Defence A functional defence - with a substantially strengthened defence capability Sweden's defence must be well-prepared to be able to defend this country and to contribute to stability in the surrounding world. This requires a defence system that is adapted to today's threats and to the rapid sequences of events in which conflicts can arise and be determined. It requires a functional, available and flexible defence. For this reason, the Government is now setting a new direction for the Swedish defence system with a substantially strengthened defence capability.

Alone and together with others, the military defence must defend Sweden and promote our security. The whole of Sweden must be defended. Our preparedness is continually being adapted to the current threat and risk level of our region. Air and naval forces, including submarines, monitor both the sea and the airspace and can rapidly be adapted to needs both in Sweden and in our region.

"When I took up my post, it was obvious that defence needed to be strengthened. The political requirement at that time was only that a third of the operational organisation was to be available, within a year. What the Government is now presenting means a significantly strengthened defence capability compared with today and ensures that our defence will be strong, both for Sweden and for operations within and outside our region. We will achieve a defence that is functional here and now," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

The main items of the bill are:

The entire operational organisation of some 50 000 people will be able to be used within a week after a decision on heightened alert. Today only around one-third of the national operational organisation is equipped and prepared for an operation within one year. All operational units will have the same capability for operations, in Sweden and within and outside our region. This means that the division now existing between the international force for operations abroad and other units will be removed. According to the Swedish Armed Forces' proposal, 28 000 people will be in permanent and contracted units. The Home Guard will be strengthened and will have a more important role in defending Sweden. The Home Guard will consist of a total of 22 000 people and will be part of the operational organisation. Of these, 17 000 will make up the qualified national protection forces, who will be given better training and military equipment and will be under a service obligation even in peacetime. An increase from three available manoeuvre battalions today, to eight tomorrow. This means more than twice as much availability. Twice as much capability for peace-support operations. It will be possible to keep 1 700 people in continuous engagement in international operations. The number of Gripen aircraft will be 100, of the C/D model. The number of new helicopters will successively increase. Main battle tank 122 will be retained and access to splinter-proof vehicles will increase. Artillery and anti-aircraft capability will remain of the same size as today. There will be seven corvettes, five of Visby class; the number of submarines in the operational organisation will be retained. Outside the operational organisation, a reserve unit of four mechanised battalions will be available. Personnel supply will be modernised so that voluntary participation will be the basis of manning the operational organisation instead of compulsory . This will be required for greater functionality and availability, but also for the transition to permanent and contracted units. The officer profession will be changed, with more specialist officers who train and command troops and fewer people in staff and command functions.

Today's threats against Sweden cannot be dealt with by yesterday's defence. The war in Georgia, for example, shows that developments can occur rapidly. This war went on for five days and was determined in two. Not many Russian soldiers were deployed to the area, but they came very quickly.

In the future defence, Sweden will now have more soldiers who can be deployed more rapidly. In Sweden and within or outside our region. The division between a national operational organisation and an international force has now been removed. Everyone should be able to serve where, and when necessary.

The security policy map of our region has been fundamentally redrawn in the last 20 years. The Baltic Sea is entirely surrounded by NATO and EU countries, apart from Russia. The threat of invasion from a previous superpower has long disappeared, and a single armed attack targeted directly at Sweden is unlikely for the foreseeable future.

However, this does not mean that we can exclude the risk of military conflicts of interest and incidents in our region, either on or around the Baltic Sea or in the northern areas. It is not possible to envisage a military threat that would only affect Sweden or another country in our region. But the new threats require us to be able to act, individually and together with others, at short notice. Security is being built collectively, for the Nordic countries and the EU. The Government wants to see far-reaching Nordic cooperation and sees no limits in principle to such cooperation so long as national decision-making power concerning operational capabilities remains.

In the Statement of Government Policy, the Government emphasises that the security of our country is founded on community and cooperation with other countries. Sweden will not remain passive if another EU Member State or other Nordic country suffers a disaster or an attack. We expect these countries to act in the same way if Sweden were affected. We must be able to give and receive military support. Contact Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00 Catharina Henriksson Political Adviser +46 8 405 25 66 email to Catharina Henriksson Jesper Gyberg Press Assistant +46 8 405 25 30 +46 70 618 42 53 email to Jesper Gyberg 2008

Press release 13 November 2008 Ministry of Defence Sweden strengthens its presence in Afghanistan The Government wants to strengthen Swedish military presence through transport aircraft, ambulance helicopters and more training and coordination groups known as OMLT teams. The Swedish armed force in ISAF is expected to number about 500 people in 2009, compared with the current maximum of 390.

In the Government Bill on continued Swedish participation in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF), the Government proposes that the Riksdag gives its approval to Sweden's making available an armed force of a maximum of 855 persons for participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) until 31 December 2009. The requested personnel capacity of 855 persons includes resources for reinforcement and unforeseen evacuation needs. The requested mandate would allow Sweden to adapt its presence over time. A greater strengthening of the contribution will follow consultation with the Riksdag.

"There is continuing great need for international military presence in Afghanistan. The link between security and development is clear. The absence of security undermines the popularly elected government's ability to influence the country's development and is one of the most serious obstacles to effective reconstruction and sustainable social and economic development," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

"It is crucial that the international community, including Sweden, continues now to support and assist the Afghan Government in its efforts to create a stable and secure society. Sweden's commitment within the ISAF framework is long term," says Sten Tolgfors.

The major part of the Swedish contribution will be linked, just as before, to the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Mazar-e-Sharif, in northern Afghanistan, which Sweden commands. Sweden's military contribution includes commander, personnel and military units. The latter mainly comprises provincial offices and mobile military observer teams as well as medical care, guard, escort and logistics units.

The Swedish contribution will also include a transport aircraft unit. Sweden also intends to increase its contribution to the special training and coordination groups - which through military consultation contribute to building and supporting the Afghan army - and plans to contribute a medical helicopter unit, Medevac.

Contact Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00 Jesper Gyberg Press Assistant +46 8 405 25 30 +46 70 618 42 53 email to Jesper Gyberg

Press release 10 November 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Defence Carl Bildt and Sten Tolgfors to Brussels for EU Council meeting

On Monday 10 November Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors will take part in the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels. The joint session of defence ministers and foreign ministers is expected to discuss European Security and Defence Policy, the Western Balkans and Afghanistan.

The foreign ministers' agenda includes Congo and the EU's relations with Russia. For defence ministers, the development of military capabilities will be the focus of discussions at the meeting. The ministers are expected to adopt a declaration of intent concerning the development of capabilities and to discuss various capability-building projects.

Press meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors Time: Monday 15 September, after lunch at around 15.00 Place: Justus Lipsius, Swedish briefing room

Contact Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00

Press release 18 September 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Justice Ministry of Defence Sweden to send civilian observers and logistics support to Georgia The Government decided today that Sweden will contribute personnel and equipment to the EU civilian observer mission in Georgia.

The first Swedish observers will depart for Georgia this week.

The reason for today's decision is that on 1 September, EU heads of state and government decided to send a civilian observer mission to Georgia.

The Swedish group will be made up of personnel from the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Swedish Rescue Services Agency and the National Police Board. It will consist of some 25 people who will be responsible for heading a field office. The Swedish Rescue Services Agency will send IT and communications equipment and personnel who will be responsible for the installation, set up and maintenance of the mission's communications network. Funding for the mission will come from the development assistance budget.

"It is very important that the EU live up to its commitment of sending a civilian observer mission by 1 October. This will clear the way for the withdrawal of Russian troops in accordance with the Moscow agreement," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

In all, the EU mission will include some 230 people. Its primary task will be to observe, analyse and report on the parties' compliance with the ceasefire agreement and the subsequent agreements following the armed conflict in Georgia in August 2008.

"Providing Swedish personnel and equipment is an expression of Sweden's commitment to peace and security in the Southern Caucasus. The Swedish personnel taking part in the mission will have an important task in building up the mission and providing reports about the situation on the ground," say Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors and Minister for Justice in a joint statement.

Contact Peter Larsson +46 8 405 10 00 Martin Valfridsson Press Secretary to Beatrice Ask Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00

Press release 16 June 2008 Ministry of Defence Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors comments on Defence Commission report "The Defence Commission confirms every single part of the defence policy line pursued by the Government as expressed in speeches and articles from the Sälen meeting onwards, a line that focuses on renewal. It also confirms that 2008 may be the year in which the greatest renewal of defence policy in a decade takes place.

"A flexible operational defence, suitable for use at home and abroad.The key is availability. Recruitment on a voluntary basis, with an element of professional full time soldiers. Broad and deepened Nordic cooperation, joint Baltic surveillance, participation in NATO's air situation picture and collaboration with NATO in international operations. Choice of which capabilities to maintain and which to do without, a structure and organisation that is more effective and efficient. Civil-military collaboration, a long-term and sustainable approach and a focus on international operations. A doubling of the level of ambition for international operations. Emphasis on better financial management and respect for civilian expertise in the Swedish Armed Forces. A new, more effective and efficient equipment supply process, with purchase of off-the-shelf equipment as the main option, support for the European Defence Agency (EDA), pooling of equipment with other countries and support for the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC). All this combined with a reformed agency structure and transfer of resources from peripheral activities to operational advantage.

"For the Swedish Social Democratic Party, the agreement in practice represents an increasedcost of SEK 8 billion in relation to their budget proposal 2007. They will also have to reconsider their view of SAC, which they recently said no to in the Parliament. But it's good that the Social Democrats are now showing that they want to be part of a forward-looking defence policy.

"It is a great success for the Defence Commission as an organisational form that it has been possible to reach a broad agreement on a good report for renewal of the armed forces. When I gave the Commission its mandate I underlined that I want to test the possibility of a broad agreement across the Parliament's parties - failing that, the Alliance has a majority anyway. The report will provide a good basis for the government bill on the orientation and dimensions of the armed forces that will be presented in the autumn.

Contact Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00 Jesper Gyberg Press Assistant +46 8 405 25 30 +46 70 618 42 53 email to Jesper Gyberg

Press release 28 April 2008 Ministry of Defence Sweden makes bid to supply 48 Gripen aircraft to Norway Today Sweden presented a bid to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence offering joint development, and sale to Norway, of 48 Gripen aircraft. The bid also includes support equipment, support systems and coordinated training, maintenance and support, which would have major advantages for both Sweden and Norway.

Today Sweden presented a bid to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence offering joint development, and sale to Norway, of 48 Gripen aircraft. The bid also includes support equipment, support systems and coordinated training, maintenance and support, which would have major advantages for both Sweden and Norway.

Delivery to Norway is scheduled to begin in 2016 and extend over a period of several years. Sweden intends to use a number of Gripen aircraft of the same version specified in the bid, provided Norway accepts the offer. The offer falls within the existing economic plan for the Gripen system. If Norway accepts the offer contract negotiations will follow, after which the Riksdag must give its approval in necessary areas.

"Gripen is very competitive and is attracting much increased international interest. The reasons are obvious. The system has verifiable purchase and operating costs, as well as a good record of industrial cooperation and technical development together with other countries. Gripen is a high- tech, tried and tested system that fully meets Norway's requirements. Moreover, it has full NATO interoperability", says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

The offer also contains a number of proposals on possible areas for deeper cooperation between Swedish and Norwegian authorities. These proposals concern defence research and military technology development, security and safety technology, logistics, training and joint exercises.

"Sweden's ability to offer Gripen as an option for Norway confirms the strong links and good relations between our countries. We face new challenges and opportunities in our region. Nordic defence cooperation is steadily growing and is a key area of development for defence policy. If Norway chooses Gripen this will be highly significant for defence policy," says Mr Tolgfors.

The Defence Materiel Administration and the Government Offices will work with the Norwegian evaluation team until 1 August 2008 to further elaborate and specify the proposed possibilities for cooperation. The Norwegian Government aims to submit a proposal to the Storting (Norwegian Parliament) so that it can take a decision in the first half of 2009.

Contact Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00

Press release 19 March 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Justice Ministry of Defence Sweden to contribute personnel to EU mission in Kosovo

Today, the Government gave the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Swedish Rescue Services Agency, the Swedish Prison and Probation Authority and the National Courts Administration the task of making Swedish personnel available for the EU civilian crisis management mission in Kosovo - EULEX Kosovo.

Swedish judges, prison and probation authority officials, political advisers and legal experts, as well as support staff, will now be sent to Kosovo. Swedish police officers already in place as part of the UN mission in Kosovo will be transferred to the EU mission. Up to 100 Swedes may participate in the mission. Funding for the mission will come from the development assistance budget.

"This is largest ever Swedish contribution to an international civilian crisis management mission, and this reflects Sweden's commitment to stable developments in Kosovo and in the region, as well as the Government's priority to strengthen Sweden's role in international crisis management. The extent of contributions from Swedish government agencies also demonstrates the importance of joint efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo," say Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors and Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask in a joint statement.

- - - -

EULEX Kosovo is a civilian crisis management mission within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The mission will help to strengthen Kosovo's police force, public prosecutors, courts, prison and probation services and customs authorities. As the first civilian EU mission, EULEX will also conduct certain tasks in the operations of the legal system.

The EU will send up to 3 500 staff, of which 2 200 are from participating countries. This makes EULEX the largest civilian mission that the EU has ever carried out.

Contact Peter Larsson +46 8 405 10 00 Rickard Wessman +46 8 405 10 00 Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00

Press release 18 March 2008 Ministry of Defence Swedish participation in air transport cooperation Today the Government presented a bill to the Riksdag on multilateral cooperation on strategic air transport (2007/08:56).

The bill has been prepared in light of Sweden's long-term need to ensure access to strategic military air transport capacity, partly due to the increased ambition to participate in international crisis management operations.

"The lack of strategic transport capacity is a factor that often delays or prevents preparations for international operations. This joint solution enables smaller countries to ensure they have access to transport facilities so as to be able to contribute promptly to peace and security operations," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

Sweden and 14 other countries have jointly negotiated an arrangement to be known as Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC). The countries will obtain access to three Boeing C-17 planes to enable secure and rapid transport to and from operational areas. The plane has unique capabilities and range. It combines a high loading capacity with an ability to take off and land on short runways with poor surfaces. The plane also has a high level of protection against the threats that may exist in an area of military operations.

The Government decided on 19 October 2006 that Sweden would join the negotiations and register a flying time requirement of 550 flying hours per year. The cost of the Swedish share of flying time over a 25 to 30 year period is currently estimated at a maximum of SEK 200 million per year.

The countries that have participated in the negotiations are Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the United States.

Every participating state is entitled to use the planes for its own needs in national and international military operations, but the resource can also be used to provide support to civil society and disaster relief.

Swedish participation in the arrangement is conditional on approval by the Riksdag. The arrangement will not enter into force until all participating countries have signed the agreement.

Contact Catharina Henriksson Political Adviser +46 8 405 25 66 email to Catharina Henriksson Jesper Gyberg Press Assistant +46 8 405 25 30 +46 70 618 42 53 email to Jesper Gyberg Anders Edqvist Military Adviser +46 8 405 27 93

Press release 25 January 2008 Ministry of Defence Sweden enters into an agreement with Thailand on Gripen On Thursday 24 January, the Government authorised the Defence Materiel Administration to enter into an agreement with the air force in Thailand on the transfer of an integrated air surveillance system comprising JAS 39 Gripen and the Erieye radar surveillance system.

"It is very positive that Thailand has chosen Swedish Gripen now that it is renewing its air surveillance system. It will benefit Sweden and Swedish tax-payers. The Gripen system is very cost-efficient and I am pleased to see growing international interest in its acquisition," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

Thailand is to replace its present air surveillance system when parts of the country's current air fleet are phased out in 2011. The system's role will be to monitor Thailand's airspace and conduct incident preparedness.

The agreement covers six Gripen aircraft, the Erieye radar surveillance system and the accompanying data-link systems. The order amounts to some SEK 3.8 billion. Delivery is planned to take place in early 2011.

Entry into force of the agreement is conditional upon the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) issuing export licences after a review.

Contact Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00 Jesper Gyberg Press Assistant +46 8 405 25 30 +46 70 618 42 53 email to Jesper Gyberg 2007

Press release 04 December 2007 Ministry of Defence The Swedish Defence Commission Summary of report by the Swedish Defence Commission Security in Cooperation (Ds 2007:46): The Swedish Defence Commission's analysis of challenges and threats.

The Swedish Defence Commission is appointed by the Government to undertake studies on long term developments of Swedish Security and Defence Policy. It consists of one member from each of the seven parties in Parliament and its objective is to achieve political consensus as far as possible. This report is based on a comprehensive and holistic approach to security.

Summary of the report Cross-border cooperation and integration brought about by globalisation promotes development in large parts of the world. Multilateral cooperation is essential for dealing with major global challenges and threats. Sweden is an integral part of Europe and one of the world's most globalised countries. The EU and the UN are key platforms for Sweden's actions internationally. Sweden's cooperation with NATO is an expression of our participation in the transatlantic security community.

Environmental impact and climate change represent the most serious global threats to people's security. The changeover to more sustainable development cannot wait. Fossil fuel use must be dramatically reduced through energy saving, greater energy efficiency and renewable forms of energy.

Energy is linked to security in several ways: through the vulnerability of modern, energy-dependent societies, control of energy resources and their distribution, and competition for energy resources.

The continued threat of weapons of mass destruction is moving higher up on the international security policy agenda. Preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is vital, as is the ambition to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. Political instability can make it easier for terrorists to acquire weapons of mass destruction, which further underscores the threat posed by these weapons.

The total number of major armed conflicts in the world has decreased steadily over the last twenty years, and today's armed conflicts are primarily intrastate. Tomorrow's interstate conflicts will probably differ from those of the past, and may for example, involve cyber warfare, electromagnetic weapons, and at worst, nuclear weapons.

On the whole, the USA is the only superpower, but developments primarily in China, India and Europe are affecting the global balance of power. For the foreseeable future, however, there is no country that can challenge US military power.

Russia's domestic policy with its growing authoritarian tendencies is a cause for concern. The Russian political leadership attaches great importance to stability rather than democratic development and respect for human rights. Russia's actions vis-à-vis the countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union will be a litmus test for the path Russia chooses in the future. Solidarity between the EU states is important in this context. Sweden must continue to monitor developments, and not least, via the EU, set common demands on, and involve Russia.

The Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea region are characterised by stability, dialogue and cooperation at a level never previously seen. Despite this, there are a number of challenges in the region that require our attention and that need to be dealt with through well-developed bilateral and multilateral cooperation. As the largest coastal state of the Baltic Sea, Sweden has both the opportunity and the responsibility to influence developments. To reduce the vulnerability of the Baltic countries with regard to energy, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania should be offered integration into the common Nordic electricity market.

The planned construction of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea is a complex issue. As the plans for the project proceed, Sweden should work for strict environmental requirements and for the surveillance and protection of sea transport and possible gas pipelines to be undertaken in cooperation between the Baltic Sea states. The gas pipeline must be subject to the relevant provisions of the European Energy Charter.

Sweden will not take a passive stance if another EU Member State or other Nordic country suffers a disaster or an attack. We expect these countries to act in the same way if Sweden were affected.

In a major crisis, there may be an acute shortage of resources. However, the greatest challenge for contingency planning and crisis management more often involves coordinating existing resources at short notice. This places enormous demands on a rapid, correct analysis, which is difficult under the chaotic conditions that often exist in major disasters when many things need to happen within minutes, rather than hours. A new Swedish Emergency Management Agency and a national crisis management coordination point at the Government Offices will be established as a result of the inquiries and deliberations of recent years. The Defence Commission considers that the new Agency must be given cross-sectoral responsibility to enable the effective coordination of existing resources. The new coordination point should be guided by the principle that responsibility for operational crisis management at national level in an emergency situation lies with professional officials who are able to work according to a duty rota.

An armed military attack directed at Sweden remains unlikely in the foreseeable future. However, crises or incidents involving military force may also occur in our region. The Defence Commission's geopolitical analysis emphasises the need for continuing the development of a modern, flexible operational defence that can operate together with other forces. This operational defence is to be capable of being used globally, in Europe and our immediate vicinity, and when necessary, on our own territory. Availability, flexibility and strategic mobility give greater freedom of action and should govern the development of the Swedish Armed Forces. A military defence, working together with other parties outside Sweden is a defence of our core values and interests and increases our security. Military capabilities that are only designed for operations on our own territory will be difficult to use in operations elsewhere. Sweden will therefore continue the transformation from a threat-based defence to an operational defence guided by political will and prepared for prioritised operations as demanded.

Contact Jan Hyllander Secretary +46 8 405 26 34

Jörgen Cederberg Secretary +46 8 405 28 55

Maria Oredsson Secretary +46 8 405 26 60

Press release 14 November 2007 Ministry of Defence US transport aircraft to take part in Nordic Battle Group final exercise The US is sending a C17 aircraft to take part in the Nordic Battle Group's (NBG) final exercise. The aim is to demonstrate and practice a 'transport lift'. This will also show the importance of interoperability between different countries and how resources can be pooled.

"It is important to cooperate with countries that have large transport capacity, and I am pleased to see that the final exercise can benefit from the American transport aircraft. It is a sign of the good relations between Sweden and the USA," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

"The Nordic Battle Group is by nature a rapid response force. So it is not possible to say in advance where, when or if it will be asked for or deployed. That is something that is determined by developments around the world and how the EU chooses to respond to these developments. However, it is crucial for the NBG to have access to strategic air transport if it is to be able to deploy quickly. I therefore welcome the opportunity for the NBG to practice with the C17 aircraft," says Sten Tolgfors.

It is the Government's ambition to increase the opportunities to participate in international missions. Throughout Europe there is a general lack of access to transport aircraft for participation in such missions. This is why Sweden is conducting negotiations on a multinational resource for strategic transport aircraft called Strategic Airlift Capacity (SAC). It is intended to secure Sweden's long-term needs for air transport. When the negotiations have been concluded, the Government will request approval by the Riksdag.

We have come to an agreement with the US on the participation of a C17 aircraft in the NBG's final exercise. The purpose is to study planning methods and to practice loading and unloading this type of aircraft. The C17 aircraft can, for example, fly directly from Sweden to Afghanistan with a full load. This kind of resource can also be used to carry out evacuations or to transport disaster aid if the need should arise.

Contact Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00 Jesper Gyberg Press Assistant +46 8 405 25 30 +46 70 618 42 53 email to Jesper Gyberg John Stiernfalk Military Adviser +46 8 405 26 17

Press release 13 September 2007 Ministry of Defence Swedish units and capabilities to be listed in UN forces catalogue The Government decided today to submit a number of military units for listing in the United Nations Stand-by Arrangement System (UNSAS) and in the NATO/PfP forces catalogue.

Sweden has participated in the Peace Planning and Review Process (PARP) within the framework of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) since 1995. Participation in the PARP aims at developing Swedish military units and capabilities that, together with troops from other countries, can be called on in international peace support and humanitarian operations.

The following units will be listed in the UNSAS and PARP forces catalogues as ready for deployment within 30 days: a special unit a mechanised battalion a mechanised company an engineer company a military police unit an NBC task force an artillery-locating radar unit a ranger platoon a corvette division made up of 2 corvettes and a support ship a minesweeping division made up of 2 minesweepers and a support ship a submarine with support unit an amphibious battalion (part of), from 1 July 2007 (new listing) a JAS 39 combat aircraft division a TP 84 transport aircraft division an S102B radio intelligence aircraft an ASC 890 air command group, from 1 January 2010 (new listing) a command team (staff officers with expertise that includes civil-military cooperation) military observers.

The following units will be listed in the UNSAS and PARP forces catalogues as ready for deployment within 90 days: a tank company with transport platoon a light mechanised battalion an air defence platoon, from 1 January 2008 air support command, from 1 January 2010 (new listing) an air base unit.

The following unit will be listed in the UNSAS and PARP forces catalogues as ready for deployment within 360 days: (F)HQ operational command unit (new listing).

Contact Henrik Hedberg +46 8 405 10 00 Jesper Gyberg Press Assistant +46 8 405 25 30 +46 70 618 42 53 email to Jesper Gyberg Tommy Åkesson Desk Officer +46 8 405 25 71