Background & Purpose

During 2024, various politicians submitted proposals to establish new official flag days and regulate national symbols. A recent official review had already examined flag days, so parliament saw no need to introduce new rules.

Proposals & Debate

The proposals suggested introducing new memorial days, granting official status to the Scanian flag, regulating the national anthem by law, and creating a state award for Swedes living abroad.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament voted yes to the committee's recommendation, effectively saying no to all 19 suggestions. This means no new official flag days or legal rules about national traditions will be introduced.

Does this affect you?

  • Swedes living abroad: No special national award will be created for their contributions.
  • Residents in Scania: The regional Scanian flag will not gain official state recognition.

In Practice

  • No new official flag days will be added to the calendar.
  • The Scanian flag will not receive official national status.
  • The Swedish national anthem remains an unregulated tradition without official law.
  • No new state award will be established for Swedes living abroad.