Foreign and security policy
In broad terms, foreign policy is about Sweden's policy towards other countries. The prevention of risks and threats is an important part of security policy, which in turn is part of foreign policy.
Aid and development
Swedish aid is intended to help create conditions that will enable poor people to improve their lives. Development cooperation consists of state-to-state aid and aid channelled through international organisations such as the UN, the international development banks and the EU.
Trade and promotion
Swedish trade policy deals with facilitating exports and imports to and from other countries. Promotion is about creating favourable conditions for Swedish interests and raising Sweden's profile.
Your trip abroad
One important task of the MFA and Swedish embassies is to provide help and advice to Swedes who have run into difficulties abroad. The MFA works with issues that concern consular aid, consular emergency preparedness and civil law.
International law and human rights
Promoting and enhancing respect for human rights is a priority task which must be integrated into all aspects of foreign policy, including international development cooperation and migration, security and trade policies.
Work in the EU
The MFA's work is very much defined by Sweden's membership of the EU. It touches upon almost all the MFA's areas of responsibility. Officials at all levels are involved with EU work and the MFA in Stockholm as well as missions abroad take part.
Countries and regions
Sweden's development is closely linked with development in other countries, both in our part of the world and globally. This section presents more information about Sweden's cooperation with other countries.
Organisations and cooperation bodies
This section presents information about a number of different international organisations and cooperation bodies that Sweden supports, takes part in or cooperates with.
Common questions and answers
This section presents answers to common questions about MFA areas of responsibility.
Budget and objectives
The MFA is responsible for three expenditure areas in the central government budget - Area 5: Foreign and security policy, Area 7: International development cooperation and Reform cooperation in Eastern Europe, and part of Area 24: Foreign trade and promotion of trade and investment.
Project grants and research support
Applications can be submitted to the Government concerning project grants for information and studies on global and European security policy, and support to research on Raoul Wallenberg.
