Background & Purpose

There is a need to strengthen the EU's ability to combat state-sponsored terrorism. Current rules for sanctioning terrorist organizations are seen as insufficient, making it difficult to effectively target groups backed by states.

Proposals & Debate

The government presented a report on Sweden's activities within the EU during 2023. However, the main debate and proposals from opposition parties focused on the EU's rules for sanctioning terrorism. They wanted the government to push for updated rules that would make it easier to label state-backed organizations as terrorist groups, specifically mentioning Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The Decision

The Swedish Parliament decided to urge the government to actively work within the EU to update its rules for terror sanctions. This means the government should push for easier ways to list organizations involved in state-sponsored terrorism, and specifically advocate for the EU to label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The Parliament also took note of the government's general report on EU activities and rejected all other opposition proposals.

Does this affect you?

  • Swedish Government: Must actively work on this issue within the EU, presenting Sweden's stance and negotiating with other member states.
  • EU Institutions: Will face pressure from Sweden to review and potentially update their current rules for terror sanctions and consider new listings.
  • People concerned with security: May see stronger EU action against state-sponsored terrorism if the rules are updated and new organizations are listed.

In Practice

  • The Swedish government will now actively lobby within the European Union to update the rules for listing terrorist organizations.
  • Sweden will specifically advocate for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be added to the EU's list of terrorist groups.
  • Discussions and negotiations will take place within EU institutions regarding changes to existing sanction regulations.
  • The government will report back to the Parliament on its progress in these matters.