Sweden’s opposition Liberal Party calls for new Defence Committee discussions
Sweden’s opposition Liberal Party has called on the government to call in a new session of the Defence Committee, a special forum where the government and the political parties seek consensus on security issues.
Liberal leader Jan Björklund says the security situation has deteriorated so quickly that the previous committee’s report from the spring is no longer relevant.
Björklund points to developments in Russia and Ukraine, as well as recent violations of Swedish airspace and territorial waters. He also repeats a longstanding party desire for Sweden to join NATO.
But the new Defence Minister, Social Democrat Peter Hultqvist, doesn’t want to risk a delay in defence legislation by appointing a new Defence Committee. He says the opposition will be invited to take part in the next discussions on security, which is planned for next year.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Will Russia’s actions in Ukraine affect relations in the Arctic Council?, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Duma foreign affairs committee chief: Finland willing to end sanctions, Yle News
Norway: Russian Su-34 fighter bombers flying off Norway, Barents Observer
Russia: Vestiges of the Berlin Wall in the Arctic, Blog by Mia Bennett
Sweden: Russia playing “psychological warfare” with Sweden says researcher, Radio Sweden
United States: Pentagon: Climate change is national security risk, Barents Observer
