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Foreign policy

One of the tasks of the Riksdag is to shape Swedish foreign policy together with the Government. The Riksdag's involvement in foreign policy has increased as our world has become increasingly international, and many issues such as environmental problems and crime prevention require cooperation between countries.

Swedish soldiers standing in front of a car in Mali.

The Riksdag is responsible for shaping Sweden's foreign policy together with the Government. The Riksdag decides certain foreign policy issues such as Swedish participation in international military operations. Photo: Mats Nyström / Försvarsmakten

The Government has the primary responsibility for foreign policy. However, there are certain foreign policy issues that can only be determined by the Riksdag. Following a proposal from the Government, the Riksdag decides, for example, which military operations Sweden will participate in, and how great a share of our gross national income (GNI) should be spent on development cooperation.

Before the Riksdag adopts a final decision in the Chamber, foreign policy decisions are prepared by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Committee on Foreign Affairs

Foreign Policy debate in February

Foreign policy issues are often on the agenda for members in the Chamber of the Riksdag and in the parliamentary committees. In February each year there is a foreign policy debate. The debate opens with a presentation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Statement of Foreign Policy, setting out the foreign policy to be pursued by Sweden on various issues. This is followed by a debate in which the parties in the Riksdag present their views on Sweden's foreign policy.

Important issues dealt with by the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs

In the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, the Government discusses and seeks support for its foreign policy with the Riksdag. The Council consists of the Speaker and 18 members of the Riksdag, nine of whom are members and nine of whom are deputy members. The Council is chaired by the King.

The Government is to keep the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs informed of foreign policy issues that can have an impact on Sweden and shall hold deliberations with the Council when necessary. If possible, the Government must deliberate with the Council before any important foreign policy decisions are taken.

The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs

Foreign policy in the EU

As Sweden is a member of the European Union, some foreign policy work takes place within the framework of EU cooperation. It is the Government that represents Sweden in the EU. However, the Government is not free to put forward whatever opinions it chooses. The Government therefore meets the Riksdag on a regular basis for consultations on EU matters.

The Riksdag EU Information Services website

Reviewed: 2 March 2018

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