En kvinna pratar med en annan kvinna i en butik.

In case of crisis or war

Military threat levels are increasing. We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario – an armed attack on Sweden.

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Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.

War

When military violence is used to assume authority over us, our right to live a free and independent life is threatened.

However, there are other ways, besides armed conflict, to influence and undermine our society; for example, cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, terrorism, and sabotage. These types of attacks may occur at any time. Some are happening here and now.

We can never take our freedom for granted. Our courage and will to defend our open society are vital, even though it may require us to make certain sacrifices.

If Sweden is attacked, we will never surrender. Any suggestion to the contrary is false.

Other serious threats

We also need to strengthen our resilience against other serious risks and threats, including:

  • Extreme weather events.
  • Dangerous pathogens.
  • Outages across important IT systems.
  • Organised crime.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

Here you can find information on how to prepare for a crisis or war, and what to do if a crisis or war occurs.

Together we make Sweden stronger

During times of crisis or war, we all need to contribute to Sweden’s resilience. Government agencies, regional authorities and municipalities assume major responsibilities when our security is threatened. Municipalities, for example, care for the sick and elderly, and ensure that childcare and rescue services remain uninterrupted as far as possible. The private sector also contributes to our preparedness. If a serious incident does occur, aid must be primarily focused on those who need it the most. This means that most of us must be able to manage on our own for at least a week.

Here are some examples of how you can get involved in our collective preparedness:

  • Join a voluntary defence organisation that has specific duties within the framework of Sweden’s total defence system. There are also other non-profit organisations and faith communities that play important roles.
  • Complete a course in emergency CPR (cardiopulmonary resucitation).
  • Donate blood if you can.
  • Talk to other people in your local community about how to strengthen your collective preparedness – for example, with neighbours in your block of flats or residential area.

Swedish defence

Sweden’s total defence system comprises military and civil defence. Sweden is also part of NATO’s collective defence.

Sweden’s military defence protects Sweden and its NATO allies
from armed attacks, defends our national borders, and aids in conflict
resolution. It comprises The Swedish Armed Forces and government
agencies whose core duty is to support Sweden’s military defence.

Civil defence involves everyone who lives in Sweden, alongside
government agencies, regional authorities, municipalities, private
sector and non-profit organisations. One of the most important
tasks of the civil defence is to support the military defence. Another
core task is to protect the population and ensure that essential
public services are uninterrupted as far as possible – even during
times of war. Essential public services include energy, healthcare
and transport.

Sweden is part of the military alliance NATO. The purpose of the alliance is that the member countries collectively will be so strong that it deters others from attacking us. If one NATO country is nevertheless attacked, the other countries in the alliance will aid in its defence – all for one, one for all.

Heightened state of alert

A heightened state of alert requires that we unite against an aggressor, while ensuring that essential services and functions remain uninterrupted. If such an event arises, you may also be called upon to serve in various capacities.

Announcements regarding a heightened state of alert will be broadcast through various channels, including radio, TV, and teletext. The emergency alarm may also be used to signal the highest state of alert. The emergency alarm signals that Sweden is in a state of war or imminently threatened with armed conflict. The entire total defence must be mobilised immediately, and everyone must prepare for war. The entire country has entered the highest state of alert.

Total defence duty

From the year you turn 16 until the end of the year you turn 70, you are part of Sweden’s total defence and required to serve in the event of war or the threat of war. Total defence duty applies to all Swedish citizens living in Sweden or abroad. Total defence duty also applies to foreign nationals residing in Sweden.

Total defence duty consists of:

  • Military or civil defence service. During a heightened state of
    alert, you are to proceed immediately to the place you have been
    designated in your wartime posting.
  • General national service. If the Swedish government activates
    general national service, you are to remain at work or carry out
    other tasks in support of Sweden’s total defence system.

During a heightened state of alert, go to work as usual unless you are assigned a specific wartime posting.

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Contact

Citizen Service

E-mail: kommunen@boden.se

Phone: +46 921 620 00