Rising Support for EU Membership and NATO Defense Spending Commitment in Sweden
Sweden sees record EU membership support and commits to higher NATO defense spending amid rising security threats.
Key Points
- • Support for EU membership reaches 64.4% in Sweden.
- • Prime Minister pledges 5% of GDP for NATO defense spending.
- • Significant cyberattacks on Swedish institutions raise security concerns.
- • Opposition to adopting the euro increases to 49.5%.
- • EU proposes new sanctions against Russia in response to its actions.
Swedish public opinion on EU membership has surged to record levels, with a recent survey revealing that 64.4% of Swedes support their country's EU membership. This marks a significant increase in support, as detailed in a poll conducted by SCB during April and May 2025. However, contrary to this rising enthusiasm for EU affiliation, support for adopting the euro has seen a downturn, with 49.5% of respondents expressing opposition to the single currency.
In tandem with public sentiment regarding the EU, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has made a firm commitment to NATO defense spending goals, pledging that Sweden will allocate 5% of its GDP to defense as the country prepares for an upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. The announcement coincides with a broader NATO agenda that includes addressing increased security threats, particularly amid Russian military activities in Ukraine. On the international front, the EU has also proposed a new package of sanctions aimed at Russia, specifically targeting the energy and banking sectors to respond to ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.
Kristersson's remarks on national security have grown more urgent as cyber threats to Sweden intensify. He emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, "Sweden is under attack," referring to recent significant cyberattacks on Swedish institutions, an issue of rising concern for the government and its citizens.
The surge in EU support and enhanced commitment to NATO defense measures reflects a pivotal moment for Sweden's political alignment and security posture in light of current geopolitical tensions. As NATO Chief Mark Rutte recently warned, there remains a threat of potential attacks from Russia aimed at the alliance within the next five years. With these developments, Sweden is evidently positioning itself firmly within the European security framework while taking proactive measures to bolster its defense capabilities and public support for EU integration.