Protecting against terrorism
An important part of the work to create good internal security is concerned with building a robust society that is strong enough to withstand serious strains. The primary objective of the state in this field is to protect citizens and vital institutions and services by reducing their vulnerability. This requires measures in all areas of society.
Modernised protection for facilities that are important to the functioning of society
In the endeavours to reduce threats from terrorists, the most important measures involve improved security at borders, the protection of transportation and means of transport, protection of the more important infrastructure facilities, improved instruments for protecting vital institutions and services against terrorism, and measures to prevent unauthorised people gaining access to weapons or dangerous substances. The ongoing inquiry on adapting protection to today's security policy threats will be followed up.
Increased security in dealing with dangerous substances
There will be more coordinated efforts to prevent weapons of mass destruction or related material being spread via Sweden. A new governmental agency for the security of society and emergency preparedness will be set up at the end of 2008. The responsibilities of this agency will include coordination of preventive work and work to improve preparedness as regards the ability to manage deliberate and unintentional incidents involving dangerous substances. A discussion is under way in the EU on ways of working more effectively to prevent the spreading of infectious matter for terrorist purposes. Furthermore, increased security around explosives of various types is under negotiation. International cooperation continues to be needed to impede the spreading of materiel, technologies and knowledge that could be used to manufacture biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear weapons. Since 2007, Sweden has been participating in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. This initiative is largely based on the UN Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Work has started on implementing the Convention in Swedish legislation.
