UNIVERZA V LJUBLJANI
FAKULTETA ZA DRUŽBENE VEDE
FOREIGN POLICY PROFILE OF SWEDEN
Source: CIA The World Factbook
Author: Iva Likar (21018709)
Menthor: Zlatko Šabič, Ph.D.
Course: International Organisations
Ljubljana, November 2007
1
Swedish foreign policy was throughout the twentieth century based on the principle of
non-alignment in peacetime and neutrality in wartime.1 Problems regarding foreign
policy were confined to Sweden’s application for membership in the League of Nations,
granted in 1920, and to its relationship with Finland. On the outbreak of World War II in
1939, Sweden declared itself neutral. Nevertheless, when the Soviet Union launched an
attack on Finland, Sweden gave Finland aid. Despite not having relinquished its
principally neutral foreign policy, Sweden was granted membership in the United Nations
immediately after the war.2
Since 1945 Sweden’s foreign policy has remained strictly neutral. During the Berlin
blockade and airlift in 1948 the Swedish government took the initiative in negotiations on
a defence alliance between Sweden, Norway and Denmark, yet it did not come to the
realization of it. According to its policy of neutrality, Sweden did not apply for
membership in the European Economic Community, although it did participate in the
establishment of the European Free Trade Association 1n 1959, furthermore,
Scandinavian collaboration was intensified by the Nordic Council, which is an
organization of the Nordic states of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Among its important contributions were the dropping of passport requirements between
these countries, the creation of a free-labour market, and the establishment of a farreaching coordination of economic and social legislation.3 Since 1995 Sweden has been a
member of the European Union. In a consequence of a new world security situation the
country’s foreign policy doctrine has been partly modified (Wikipedia).
Sweden’s main foreign policy priority is to contribute to increased security (globally and
regionally) through supporting the United Nations, democracy and respect for human
rights and international law, open and fair trade, sustainable development, disarmament,
non-proliferation and export controls, and prevention of armed conflicts. Sweden is
1
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopaedia (2007). Foreign policy of Sweden, available on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden#Foreign_policy (8.11.2007), in continuation Wikipedia.
2
Encyclopaedia Britannica (2007). Foreign policy of Sweden 1918-1945, available
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-29892/Sweden (8.11.2007).
3
Encyclopaedia Britannica (2007). Sweden’s foreign policy into the 1990s, available on:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-29896/Sweden (8.11.2007).
on:
2
through its foreign policy exploring modes of closer cooperation with security and
defence mechanisms in Europe, while not abandoning its formal doctrine of
nonalignment in peace to ensure neutrality in war. A cooperative relationship between
Europe and the United States on one hand, and Nordic-Baltic cooperation on the other,
are important aspects of Swedish foreign policy.4
Foreign Policy Declaration 2007
The Declaration stresses, that Swedish foreign policy should through promoting
democracy, human rights and sustainable development contribute to freedom, peace and
reconciliation in Sweden and in other parts of the world.5
Sweden is not part of any military alliance, hence its security in based on community and
cooperation with other countries. Through participating in the European Union, Sweden
is contributing to a stronger European cooperation. Precisely the cooperation with the
European Union has a special status in Swedish foreign and security policy. As every
enlargement has made the Union a stronger force for peace, freedom and democracy,
European Union should remain open to all European democracies that meet the
requirements of membership. Furthermore, membership of the World Trade Organisation
is also an important step along this path. It is also of great importance, that the work of
the Organisation for security and cooperation in Europe is respected by all its members
(Foreign Policy Declaration: 1-6).
The principle of free trade forms an important cornerstone for Sweden’s foreign, business
and economic policy. Therefore, the Government promotes a world of more open
societies, economies and trade. An important task is to help create favourable conditions
for Swedish business abroad. Increased free trade and a globalised world economy also
require a strengthening of European and Swedish external competitiveness. A desire for
Department of foreign affairs and trade (2007). Sweden’s foreign policy issues, available on:
http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/sweden/sweden_country_brief.html (8.11.2007).
5
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Foreign Policy Declaration 2007,
available on: http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/03/96/05/23e521a9.pdf (8.11.2007), in continuation
Foreign Policy Declaration.
4
3
global free trade is also based on the awareness of its major significance for developing
countries. Namely development creates better conditions for freedom and democracy in
the world. Swedish policy for global development includes the awareness of the
importance of growth and trade in reducing poverty and promoting general development,
together with protection of democracy, human rights, gender equality, the environment
and health (Foreign Policy Declaration: 7-8).
The climate and the environment are increasingly important issues. The Government
wants to raise the level of ambition nationally, in the European Union and in the United
Nations. The task of the Swedish Government is to promote international cooperation on
growth and new technology to reduce environmental impact (Foreign Policy Declaration:
9-10).
Today’s terrorism poses a serious threat to Sweden. Combating it requires international
cooperation. Crime and terrorism are becoming globalised and make international
cooperation necessary. The Government is therefore strengthening its abilities to
contribute to peace support operations within the United Nations, the European Union
and NATO. Especially intensified cooperation with NATO in the area of crisis
management is in Sweden’s interest (Foreign Policy Declaration: 10-11).
On the other hand, Sweden attaches the greatest importance to the work of the United
Nations for human rights and freedoms. The UN must be a clear and coherent force for
freedom and democracy and for the rights of the individual against oppression in all parts
of the world. Nevertheless, Swedish foreign policy understands the cooperation between
the European Union and the United States as a key element to managing the global
challenges (Foreign Policy Declaration: 6, 11).
The Government is also concerned about developments in the wider European
neighbourhood. Regarding the solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians,
the Government intends to take initiatives to improve the preparations for more tangible
Palestinian state-building. Furthermore, there are good possibilities of further broadening
relations with Israel (Foreign Policy Declaration: 12-13).
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The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East also causes particular concern, as well
as developments in Iraq, therefore humanitarian assistance is needed and Sweden will
make its contribution in this assistance (Foreign Policy Declaration: 13-14).
In Africa, Sweden is trying to establish new stability in Somalia and preparing concrete
contributions in Sudan. Through positive economic and democratic development on the
African continent, the importance of aid will decrease successively and commercial
relations and other cooperation will gradually take over (Foreign Policy Declaration: 1415).
In terms of business activity and human contacts in Russia, Sweden’s foreign policy will
continue to develop these relations, also through seeking a stronger relationship between
Russia and the European Union (Foreign Policy Declaration: 5). Concerning the Baltic
Sea States, the security policy dialogue and the economic integration has been deepened
through European cooperation, political and economic relations with Estonia, Latvia and
Lithuania are advancing (Foreign Policy Declaration: 6).
Nevertheless, Swedish foreign policy understands the cooperation between the European
Union and the United States as a key element to managing the global challenges.
Sweden and the United Nations
An active commitment to the United Nations has been a cornerstone of Sweden’s foreign
policy, since it became a member of the UN in 1946. The Swedish Government considers
multilateral cooperation to be the most important instrument for dealing with issues of
human survival.6
Sweden is active within several UN’s fields of operations and agencies. Regarding
international peace and security, a seat on the Security Council 1997-1998 gave Sweden
the opportunity to influence the work of the UN concerning international peace and
6
Permanent Missions to the United Nations (2007). Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations,
available on: http://www.un.int/sweden/pages/sweden.htm (5.11.2007), in continuation Permanent Mission
of Sweden to the UN.
5
security. Sweden pursued some key issues in the work of the Council, for one thing the
UN must improve its ability to prevent conflict and to react at an early stage, the
promotion of peace support missions where military, political and humanitarian measures
are joint, and goal-oriented sanctions instrument. Sweden also supports an increase in the
number of permanent and temporary members of the Security Council and would like to
reduce the use of the veto. Sweden has a long tradition of participation in UN’s peacekeeping operations. Sweden promotes respect for and strengthening of international law
(Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN).
In the field of humanitarian affairs, Sweden was one of the countries to initiate the
establishment of a special department for humanitarian issues within the UN Secretariat.
The main effort is made to prevent streams of refugees and helping refugees to return
home (Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN).
The UN also plays a central role in Sweden’s disarmament policy. Sweden has focused
on the measures to eliminate weapons of mass destruction, working towards nuclear
disarmament, a ban on nuclear tests, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and a ban
on chemical weapons. Furthermore, efforts have been made to strengthen the rules of
warfare, and to establish an arms register at the UN (Permanent Mission of Sweden to the
UN).
Sweden is one of the main contributors to the UN’s development cooperation and is
among the major contributors to most other UN organs, such as United Nations
Children’s Fund, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN).
Sweden has also been a driving force in the promotion in UN’s environmental area since
the early 1970s and is a member of the Governing Council of the UN Environmental
Programme. Sweden has been working for an active follow-up and further development
of the decisions taken at the UN Conference on Environment and Development, which
adopted Agenda 21. Sweden is also cooperating in the UN’s environmental work to
combat desertification, to protect the ozone layer and to increase chemical safety
(Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN).
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Sweden is working for the reform of the UN in several areas – the UN’s conflictprevention activities, preventive diplomacy, strengthening of peace-keeping operations,
an enlargement of the membership of the Security Council, and UN’s economic and
social activities. To improve the UN’s economy, Sweden, together with the EU,
presented a proposal for a fairer scale of assessed contributions from member countries.
Sweden will continue to be a force for strengthening and improving work in the United
Nations, as well as in the international community as a whole (Permanent Mission of
Sweden to the UN).
Sweden and the European Union
Sweden has been a member of the European Union since 1995. The 1972 agreement on
free trade between Sweden and the European Community and the agreement on the
European Economic Area in 1992 were important milestones on the way to membership.
Between 1 January and 30 June 2001, Sweden held the Presidency of the EU Council of
Ministers. The Swedish presidency has given particular priority to three areas –
enlargement of the EU (Sweden is advancing the enlargement of the EU to the east),
employment (the creation of more and better jobs) and environment (a new EU
environmental programme, work on climate change, chemicals policy and more
environment-friendly products).7 There are also other issues, Sweden has an influence on
within the European Union: a transparent and modern Union, gender equality, consumer
protection and EU relations with Russia.8
Sweden will take a proactive role in developing the European Union as a global actor,
especially in peace and security policy. On this basis Swedish foreign policy also wants
to strengthen transatlantic cooperation. Furthermore, Sweden will continue to support a
Union open to all European countries that want to and can meet the requirements made
by membership. There is especially a strong economic, political and human commitment
7
The Swedish Presidency (2001). Policy issues, available on:
http://www.eu2001.se/static/eng/sweden/default.asp (8.11.2007).
8
The Swedish Presidency (2001). Sweden in the European
http://www.eu2001.se/static/eng/eu_info/sverigeeu_unionen.asp (8.11.2007).
Union,
available
on:
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to development in the Western Balkans, as well as the support to the European
integration of the whole area (Foreign Policy Declaration: 16-17).
European Union Department is responsible for bilateral relations with EU Member
States, candidate countries and other countries in Western Europe. Furthermore, issues
concerning European integration, long-term development, reforms of the EU,
negotiations on EU enlargement, the long-term budget and institutions, are also dealt with
by the department.9
International Trade Policy
Issues concerning trade policy, international trade and investment and the EU’s common
trade policy legislation are the responsibility of the International Trade Policy
Department, which is also responsible for multilateral trade policy in the World Trade
Organisation, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the United Nations Economic
Commission for Europe.10 Sweden is pursuing open, simple and fair conditions for
international trade and investment, which contributes to growth, employment and
sustainable development. Through its membership of the European Union, Sweden
became fully integrated into the EU internal market and part of its external trade policy.11
Together Germany (9,7%), the United States (9,3%), Norway (9,1%), the United
Kingdom (7,1%), Denmark (6,8%) and Finland (6%) account for about half of Sweden’s
export market. Other export partners are also France (4,9%), Netherlands (4,8%) and
Belgium (4,5%). Regarding imports, Germany (17,2%) is the main supplier of Sweden’s
9
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for foreign affairs. European Union Department,
available on: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/3367/a/37735 (8.11.2007).
10
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for foreign affairs. International Trade Policy
Department, available on: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/3367/a/37735 (8.11.2007).
11
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for foreign affairs. International Trade Policy,
available on: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/3086;jsessionid=avV0XkZ9o-Nh (8.11.2007).
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imports, followed by the Denmark (9,1%), Norway (8,1%), UK (5,9%), Netherlands
(5,8%), Finland (5,6%), France (4,6%) and Belgium (4%).12
12
Central Intelligence Agency (2007). The World Factbook. Sweden, available
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sw.html#Issues (8.11.2007).
on:
9
List of references:
Central Intelligence Agency (2007). The World Factbook. Sweden, available on:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sw.html#Issues
(8.11.2007).
Department of foreign affairs and trade (2007). Sweden’s foreign policy issues, available
on: http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/sweden/sweden_country_brief.html (8.11.2007).
Encyclopaedia Britannica (2007). Foreign policy of Sweden 1918-1945, available on:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-29892/Sweden (8.11.2007).
Encyclopaedia Britannica (2007). Sweden’s foreign policy into the 1990s, available on:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-29896/Sweden (8.11.2007).
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Foreign Policy
Declaration
2007,
available
on:
http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/03/96/05/23e521a9.pdf
(8.11.2007),
in
continuation Foreign Policy Declaration.
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for foreign affairs. European Union
Department, available on: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/3367/a/37735 (8.11.2007).
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for foreign affairs. International Trade
Policy Department, available on: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/3367/a/37735
(8.11.2007).
Government Offices of Sweden (2007). Ministry for foreign affairs. International Trade
Policy, available on: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/3086;jsessionid=avV0XkZ9o-Nh
(8.11.2007).
Permanent Missions to the United Nations (2007). Permanent Mission of Sweden to the
United Nations, available on: http://www.un.int/sweden/pages/sweden.htm (5.11.2007),
in continuation Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN.
The Swedish Presidency (2001). Policy issues, available on:
http://www.eu2001.se/static/eng/sweden/default.asp (8.11.2007).
The Swedish Presidency (2001). Sweden in the European Union, available on:
http://www.eu2001.se/static/eng/eu_info/sverigeeu_unionen.asp (8.11.2007).
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopaedia (2007). Foreign policy of Sweden, available on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden#Foreign_policy (8.11.2007), in continuation
Wikipedia.
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