During the ongoing Swedish state visit to Poland, the countries have signed a letter of intent for deeper civil defense cooperation. Civil defense minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasizes the need for faster work pace and shared security assessments. The collaboration focuses on drones, coast guard, and preparedness against war threats.
A Swedish state visit to Poland is underway for three days with several ministers and the King couple, invited by President Karol Nawrocki. A key outcome is a letter of intent for deeper civil defense cooperation, described by Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M) as an "important political manifestation".
Bohlin highlights that Sweden and Poland have grown close in recent years through similar views on global developments. "The foundation for this is that Poland and Sweden have come very close in recent years. A contributing factor is that we view world developments in the same way. We share security policy assessments and starting points," he says.
The cooperation covers drones, coast guard, supply readiness, and public-private collaboration. Poland has experiences of Russian drone violations, which Bohlin points to as background. A civil defense forum took place in Warsaw today, discussing lessons between the countries.
Bohlin notes Poland's executive approach: "What I see and what has appealed to me greatly is that they are extremely executive. That is, they get things done. They do not let themselves be limited by bureaucratic processes." Sweden needs to work faster, according to the minister, as the global situation changes rapidly.
"We are not immune to war. Even if we may have lived with that assumption for a long time," Bohlin warns. The focus is on managing the initial critical phase for resilience, similar to Ukraine's resistance against Russia. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency recommends home preparedness such as battery radios, water, and blankets for crisis or war.
Meanwhile, debates in Sweden concern nuclear power and security. An opinion piece warns of risks with nuclear plants in wartime, while the Social Democrats have contacted the Foreign Ministry to clarify positions on nuclear weapons policy and dialogue with France.
