Just what is the Statement of Foreign Policy?

Ann Bernes, Director, Security Policy Department, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, answers a few questions about what the Statement of Foreign Policy is and what makes it so special.

In mid-February each year, the Riksdag holds a debate on foreign policy. The Statement of Foreign Policy is the speech held by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to open the debate. But the Statement of Foreign Policy is much more than a 30-minute speech. It's a policy statement containing objectives and visions for Sweden's international work throughout the year to come, and even further into the future. A kind of compass that the Government commits itself to navigating by, in our own region, in the EU and globally. And it's also a report on the role Sweden has played in foreign, security, aid and trade policy over the past year.

What makes the Statement of Foreign Policy different from other papers presented by the Government?

Foreign policy has enormous breadth. It ranges all the way from climate, free trade and human rights to disarmament, peace-building and humanitarian aid. Foreign policy is also special in that the day-to-day work involves both protracted negotiations and sudden crises and unforeseen events. Foreign policy is also a prism and switchboard through which all Swedens relations with the world around us are refracted and directed, with points of contact across the entire spectrum from adventure tourism to space. The Statement of Foreign Policy reflects all these distinctive features and that's what makes it different from other papers presented by the Government.

How is it produced?

The procedure and timetable vary from year to year, but the Ministers and Ministers Office at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are always at the heart of the process. Large sectors of the Swedish Foreign Service contribute material and proposals for use. The text goes through many stages and many stations on its way to the Riksdag. When there is an alliance government, such as the one now in power, there naturally has to be more consultation and more checking and adjustment than when the Statement of Foreign Policy is drawn up by a majority government.

Is the Statement of Foreign Policy necessary?

The Statement of Foreign Policy is necessary as it gives the Riksdag and the general public an opportunity to follow - and follow up - Sweden's foreign policy. Without this annual report and policy statement it would be more difficult to gain insight into what Sweden is doing in the area of foreign policy and - if necessary - to be able to hold the Government to account for something it has done or failed to do.

What significance have previous Statements of Foreign Policy had?

The Statement of Foreign Policy is a document of its time -it reflects the world and the period in which it is written. But it's also a document that makes a mark in its time. It sets the tone for Sweden's relations with different countries, and at times that has meant candid and widely noticed criticism of dictatorships and oppressive regimes. And commitments are made here that direct Sweden's actions and the line we take. This includes the objective of contributing to a more peaceful world, which in recent years has been reflected in strong and consistent support for EU enlargement.