Sweden approves defence spending to fend off Russia, meet NATO target, to ensuring “our children and grandchildren won’t have to speak Russian”

Euroactiv

Sweden’s parliamentary parties have unanimously reached a groundbreaking deal to fast-track a defence spending boost, allocating billions in loans to rapidly strengthen the military and civil defence ahead of next week’s NATO summit.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson hailed the CAD$42 billion (SEK 300 billion) war chest agreed on Thursday as “near-unique internationally,” highlighting plans to enhance conscript training, air defences, and long-range combat capabilities.

The agreement between all eight parties represented in the Swedish Riksdag also allocates CAD$7.1 billion (SEK 50 billion) to civil defence. The aim is to reinforce infrastructure and stockpile food, medicine and fuel, with the ultimate goal of meeting NATO’s 2030 target.