Background & Purpose

Sweden is currently facing a severe shortage of prison cells, which has created a need for alternative solutions. The government initiated this agreement with Estonia to manage the capacity crisis within the Swedish correctional system.

The Decision

The parliament approved the agreement with Estonia, meaning that Swedish prisoners can now be moved to Estonian facilities to serve their sentences under the supervision of Estonian prison staff.

Does this affect you?

  • Swedish prison inmates: Individuals currently serving time in Sweden may be transferred to facilities in Estonia to serve the remainder of their sentences.
  • Swedish Prison and Probation Service staff: Staff will coordinate with Estonian authorities to manage the logistics and legal requirements of transferring inmates.

In Practice

  • Swedish prisoners may be transferred to Estonian prisons to serve their sentences.
  • Estonian prison authorities will be responsible for the daily management and supervision of the transferred prisoners.
  • The agreement is a temporary measure to address the lack of space in Swedish correctional facilities.
  • New legal rules will be implemented to ensure the transfer process follows the law.