Last week's debate was also marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In addition to the question of a Swedish entry into NATO and the dependence on Russian natural gas, the climate issue has also found a place in the discussion.
Sweden's possible entry into NATO has been a hot debate over the past week. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson's statement that an application to NATO from Sweden had currently destabilized the global security situation has led to extensive discussions. Erik Helmerson writes in Dagens Nyheter that the statement itself creates destabilization in the region and that strategic ambiguity would have benefited Sweden better in the long run. Per Gahrton (MP), former Member of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, opposes this, and believes that the EU is a more rational tool for long-term safety.
- As Ukraine's Foreign Minister has stated, the EU has so far proved to be much more concretely active in supporting Ukraine than NATO, writes Per Gahrton in Expressen.
In the debate on Sweden's reception of Ukrainian refugees, the Moderates have received harsh criticism and the party is accused of being hypocritical. Aftonbladet's Zina Al-Dewany writes that the party only for a couple of months then stood proud in its return policy, to now suddenly turn around. She is supported by the student and writer Josefiné Josefsson, who believes that racism is clear i The actions of the moderates.
- There is a connection and that connection is made visible when the Moderates are prepared to adjust their refugee policy when it comes to white people on the run, she writes.
Sweden's use of Russian natural gas has been painted as a contributing part to the war continuing. Tomas Kåberger and Anders Wijkman write in Dagens Nyheter that Sweden should introduce an import ban of Russian natural gas immediately to support Ukraine. Per Högselius, professor at KTH, responded with the argument that an import ban had led to catastrophically high energy prices for Sweden and therefore is not a reasonable action.
Sweden and Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas has also given a boost to the climate debate. Energy experts Markus Wråke and Filip Johnson argue in Dagens Nyheter that Sweden should handle the climate crisis and the security crisis with the same means - that is, with a sharp increase of Swedish fossil-free electricity production. Even if compromises need to be made to appease different interests, the opportunities are good, they say.
- It would reduce dependence on Russian gas, squeeze electricity prices and drastically reduce climate emissions.
Sweden and NATO
When in doubt, do as Finland - the Prime Minister got lost in NATO
Erik Helmersson, Dagens Nyheter
Better EU security than NATO membership
Per Gahrton (MP), Expressen
Sweden's refugee reception
Bitter aftertaste when M opens his hearts
Zina Al-Dewany, Aftonbladet
Kristersson, does your solidarity only apply to some?
Josefiné Josefsson, Aftonbladet
Sweden and Russian natural gas
“Deal with both crises with more electricity production”
Filip Johnsson and Markus Wråke, Dagens Nyheter
"Fully possible to stop EU imports of Russian gas"
Tomas Kåberger and Anders Wijkman, Dagens Nyheter
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