Influences foreign policy

The Riksdag decides on military operations and international development assistance

It is primarily the Government that is responsible for foreign policy. However, there are certain matters only the Riksdag can decide on. 

Following a proposal from the Government, the Riksdag decides, for example, which international military operations Sweden will participate in, and how great a share of our gross national income should be spent on international development cooperation.

It is primarily the Government that is responsible for foreign policy. However, there are certain matters that only the Riksdag can decide on. For example, following proposals from the Government, the Riksdag decides which military operations Sweden will participate in, and how great a share of our gross national income (GNI) should be spent on development cooperation.

It is the Committee on Foreign Affairs that prepares decisions regarding foreign policy before the Riksdag as a whole takes a position in the Chamber.

The Committee on Foreign Affairs prepares decisions

The Committee on Foreign Affairs consists of members from all the parties represented in the Riksdag. The Committee deals with government bills and motions relating to foreign policy. 

It discusses and prepares political proposals. Their work results in committee reports, that is proposals for decisions, which are then debated and decided on in the Chamber.

Important issues are raised in the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs

In the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, the Government discusses and attempts to gain the Riksdag’s support for its foreign policy prior to decisions of major importance. The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs consists of the Speaker and 18 members of parliament; nine of these are ordinary members and nine are deputy members. The King chairs the Advisory Council.

The Government has to keep the Advisory Affairs continuously informed of those matters relating to foreign policy which may be of significance for Sweden and confer with the Committee on such matters as required. In all major important foreign policy matters, the Government must hold deliberations with the Council before a decision is taken, if possible.

Foreign policy debate in February every year

Every year in February, a debate on foreign policy is held in the Chamber of the Riksdag. At the debate, the Minister for Foreign Affairs presents the Statement of Foreign Policy, which describes the policy the Government wishes to pursue in various matters. In connection with the Statement, the parties represented in the Riksdag then hold a debate on foreign policy.

Foreign policy in the EU

Since Sweden is a member of the European Union, the EU, a great deal of work relating to foreign policy is done within the framework of cooperation between the various EU member states. It is the Government that represents Sweden in the EU. However, in its negotiations with the other EU member states, the Government cannot put forward whichever views it chooses, but has to continuously inform the Riksdag and have its policy approved by the Riksdag. The Government therefore consults the Riksdag in the Committee on EU Affairs prior to meetings in the EU Council of Ministers and the European Council.