National strategy for participation in international peace-support and security-building operations
This Communication presents a national strategy for Swedish participation in international peace-support and security-building operations.
The aim is for the strategy to provide general guidance for Swedish action in international peace-support and security-building operations, based on the Government's objectives in this area. The strategy will have a long-term perspective and provide support for combined civil and military action in the areas of operations in which Sweden takes part.
The aim behind a national strategy for Swedish participation in international peace-support and security-building operations is to provide a complete picture of the raised level of aspiration in this area which the Government announced in the 2007 Budget Bill and which is manifested for instance in a gradual increase in resources for peace-support military operations in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Meeting this raised level of aspiration is a key policy objective.
The Government links foreign, development, security and defence policy more closely together in these efforts. The prospects of Sweden contributing to peace, security, democracy and development in the world are consequently improved.
The strategy will also provide general guidance for Swedish action in international peace-support and security-building activity. It will also indicate the policy aims, create the basis for more effective use of resources and provide support for combined civil and military action in areas of operations in which Sweden takes part.
The strategy, which has a long-term perspective, does not anticipate the forthcoming Orientation of the Armed Forces Bill, other priorities or other considerations in the budget bill for each year. Nor does it anticipate the work of the Defence Commission. There is policy interest in ensuring that Sweden continues to have the freedom of action needed to be able to take responsibility in new and unforeseen peace-support and security-building operations.
