Sweden’s work regarding the refugee situation
Mr. Löfven and Mr. Tusk Photo: Martina Huber/ Regeringskansliet
The most difficult refugee situation in modern times is currently under way. Refugee flows are reaching the levels Europe last saw during the Second World War. Humanitarian systems are overstretched by the world’s forty armed conflicts, of which eleven are full-scale wars. Intensive work is in progress to find solutions to the major challenges that exist. An important task for the Government is to make it easier for public authorities to manage the situation in both the short and long term.
A comprehensive EU approach to migration and refugee flows is needed. The EU is a global actor with a strong commitment to human rights and international law, including the right to asylum. We must respond to the current refugee situation according to our values and international obligations. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven has emphasised that what is needed is shared EU responsibility, the creation of an orderly reception system, and tackling the causes of the refugee crisis. In the spirit of shared responsibility, Sweden welcomes the recent decision to relocate refugees from Greece, Italy and, if needed, other EU member states directly affected by the refugee crisis.
In 2014 alone, Sweden offered asylum to 81 000 people – the highest per capita number in Europe. In its latest forecast, the Swedish Migration Agency estimates that a total of around 160 000 people will seek asylum in Sweden in 2015. Amongst them at least 30 000 are unaccompanied minors. In this exceptional and serious situation, a cross- party agreement with the broadest possible, cross-party, support, has been concluded. The Swedish government, together with the Moderate Party, the Centre Party, the Liberal Party and the Christian Democrats, have agreed on necessary measures to reinforce capacity in Sweden’s reception of asylum seekers and strengthen the introduction of new arrivals.
The objective of the agreement is threefold: 1) orderly reception, 2) improved integration and 3) cost control. A set of measures will safeguard the Swedish asylum system, its integrity and functionality. This includes issuing temporary permits for a defined period of time, but also exploring legal avenues. Another set of measures will strengthen integration of refugees and migration. They target areas of education, jobs and housing. Sweden will continue to do its part – by providing refuge for people in need, as a major humanitarian donor and by contributing to international efforts addressing the underlying factors causing people to flee – be they conflict, oppression or economic vulnerability.
For detailed information about the Government’s work regarding the refugee situation and the cross- party agreement, please visit: