National strategy to meet the threat of terrorism

Sweden's ability to address the threat of terrorism is well-developed. Attacks in Sweden and against Swedish interests have been averted. Sweden has assisted other countries in preventing attacks. In February 2008, the Government accounted for its view of the Swedish fight against terrorism in a written communication to the Riksdag (Govt. communication. 2007/08:64). Since then, the Government has created the conditions for more effectively combating terrorism. At the same time, improvements in due process and supervision have been introduced in the area. Sweden's capacity can be developed and further enhanced by drawing on experiences from attacks and other incidents.

An updated national strategy against terrorism is presented below with the aim of clarifying the Government's starting points and outlining how Sweden is addressing the threat of terrorism. The objectives provide the overall strategic direction for future work and will be followed up continuously.

Terrorism today

Terrorism is not a new phenomenon; it is a feature of the political history of modern Europe.

From an international perspective, most terrorist attacks occur in areas affected by conflict outside Europe. In Europe, local nationalist and separatist groups account for most of the attacks. Actors inspired by al-Qaeda aim to carry out attacks resulting in a high number of civilian deaths and they still constitute a threat. The threat from terrorism has changed in recent years with an increased risk of attacks by people mainly acting alone.

The direct terrorist threat against Sweden and Swedish interests has previously been considered to be low-level, but the threat scenario can quickly change, and since the end of 2010 the threat assessment has been heightened.

The concept of terrorism encompasses other phenomena besides planning and carrying out attacks. It can involve propaganda and the spreading of violent messages, the raising of money and support for terrorist networks, indoctrination, recruitment for suicide attacks, training in terrorist action or bomb-making.

Strategy against terrorism

The strategy is divided into three main parts: threats against Sweden, starting points in the fight against terrorism, and objectives and measures.

The threat of terrorism changes over time. Attacks that have been carried out and planned attacks that have been thwarted, show that there is a real risk of terrorist attacks in Sweden or against Swedish interests.

One starting point is that terrorism can only be combated effectively by means and for ends that belong in an open, democratic and legally secure society. International law, including human rights, must be respected nationally and internationally. Democracy must be protected, without damaging the values being defended. How the Government wants Sweden to address the threat of terrorism is described in the strategy in three areas:

• preventing the emergence of terrorism
• stopping terrorist attacks
• preparing for the eventuality of an attack occurring

Preventing terrorism means reducing the willingness of people and groups to commit or support terrorism. The work includes efforts to identify and reduce possible environments in which terrorism can thrive. Preventive work also involves strengthening democratic values. The objective includes contributing to a well-functioning democracy and an open and tolerant society in which discussion and debate are possible.

Preventing terrorist attacks means detecting and reducing threats and stopping ongoing attacks or preparations. Preventing attacks also involves investigating terrorist offences and calling the people responsible to account for their actions. One of the objectives is to give responsible authorities in the justice system the possibility to detect and stop planned terrorist attacks in an efficient and legally secure way.

Preparing for the eventuality of a terrorist attack occurring means creating adequate protection for individuals and functions vital to the functioning of society, IT systems and facilities. The preparatory work also involves using the combined resources of society effectively in order to be able to handle the consequences of an attack. The Government's objectives include improving and strengthening cross-sectoral planning and exercises, and thus creating protection and strengthening the ability to withstand and handle the disturbances in society that may result from a terrorist attack.

With this holistic view of terrorism, the Government is seeking to effectively address the threat while maintaining unerring respect for our basic values.