Sweden has announced its readiness to strengthen its participation in the European nuclear deterrent system. Defense Minister Poul Jönsson said on February 27 that the country could allow the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory in the event of war. This is reported by Bloomberg.
Sweden was among the first states to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1968 and has traditionally advocated its strengthening. At the same time, the country does not have a legal ban on the presence of nuclear weapons on its territory.
“In the event of war, we will of course consider any option that can ensure Sweden’s survival and security,” Jönsson said.
In recent weeks, Swedish officials have been cautiously signaling their readiness to play a more active role in nuclear deterrence amid concerns about the reliability of the United States as a military ally. In late January, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that Stockholm had held consultations with France and Britain, the European nuclear-armed states.
“France has shown a willingness to discuss with other countries,” he said, without disclosing details of the talks.
After World War II, Sweden developed its own nuclear program, but abandoned these plans in the 1960s due to political opposition and significant costs.
Discussions about nuclear weapons in Europe have intensified and after US President Donald Trump’s statements about his intention to gain control of Greenland. In Sweden, there have also been suggestions about a possible “joint Scandinavian” nuclear program, including with the participation of Germany, as reported by the newspaper Dagens Nyheter.
