What's Happening?
Sweden is hosting a NATO conference on civil defence from November 3-5, 2025, in Stockholm. The event is led by Swedish Ministers for Defence and Civil Defence, Pål Jonson and Carl-Oskar Bohlin. The conference aims
to enhance civil-military collaboration and address civil preparedness, which is closely tied to core defence functions such as continuity of government services and essential services for the population. The gathering follows a NATO summit in June 2025, where allies agreed to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, with up to 1.5% allocated to civil concerns like protecting critical national infrastructure. Sweden, having allocated Skr37.5bn ($3.9bn) to civil defence last year, is considered well-positioned to share its expertise.
Why It's Important?
The conference underscores the importance of civil defence in the broader context of national security, especially in light of perceived threats from Russia. By focusing on civil preparedness, NATO aims to ensure that member countries can maintain essential services and support military operations during crises. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards integrating civilian infrastructure protection into national defence planning, which is crucial for resilience against potential threats. Countries with robust civil defence systems, like Sweden, can offer valuable insights and strategies to other NATO members, potentially influencing defence policies across Europe.
What's Next?
The conference is expected to foster discussions on civil-military collaboration and share best practices among NATO members. Sweden's latest assessment, 'Planning assumptions for the development of the Swedish total defence 2025-2030,' will be a focal point of the discussions. The outcomes may lead to enhanced civilian planning efforts and increased investment in infrastructure protection across NATO countries. Future summits and meetings may further refine these strategies, potentially leading to policy changes and increased funding for civil defence initiatives.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on civil defence highlights a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between civilian infrastructure and military operations. This approach may lead to ethical and legal considerations regarding the allocation of resources and the balance between civil liberties and national security. Long-term, this could result in a cultural shift towards viewing civil defence as an integral part of national security, influencing public policy and societal attitudes towards defence spending.
