Background & Purpose

To fully participate and cooperate within NATO, member countries must be able to securely handle and protect classified information shared between allies.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal to introduce a new secrecy provision that complements foreign and defense confidentiality rules.

Does this affect you?

  • Swedish authorities: Must apply the new secrecy rules when handling and sharing information within the NATO partnership.
  • Defense personnel: Affected by stricter requirements and clearer frameworks for protecting classified information shared with international allies.

In Practice

  • Secrecy will apply to information provided by foreign bodies within the framework of NATO cooperation, if releasing it could harm Sweden's ability to participate in the alliance.
  • The same level of secrecy will apply to information sent from a Swedish authority to a foreign body within NATO cooperation.
  • The rules are designed to ensure that Sweden fully meets NATO requirements regarding information handling.