Sweden Lowers Terror Threat Level to Elevated Amid Ongoing Risks
Sweden's Security Police have lowered the national terror threat level from high to elevated, but risks from extremism persist.
Key Points
- • Säpo lowers Sweden's terror threat level from four to three on a five-point scale.
- • Chief Charlotte von Essen emphasizes ongoing threats from extremism.
- • Russia is identified as the primary external threat.
- • Sweden's NATO membership increases national safety but may attract more intelligence focus from Russia.
Sweden's Security Police (Säpo) announced on May 23, 2025, that the country's terror threat level has been lowered from high to elevated, marking a shift from a level four to a level three on a five-point scale. This decision was made public by Säpo chief Charlotte von Essen during a press conference, indicating a more secure outlook for the nation.
Earlier this year, Säpo had labeled the threat landscape as serious, primarily citing Russia as a significant concern. While Sweden's recent NATO membership is viewed as enhancing national security, von Essen highlighted a potential downside: it might elevate Russia's intelligence operations directed at Sweden.
Despite the downgrade in the overall threat level, Säpo warns that dangers remain from violent Islamist extremist groups and right-wing extremist movements, both of which continue to pose challenges. "We recognize that while the situation has improved, threats from certain extremisms linger," von Essen remarked during the announcement. Thus, while the nation can celebrate a reduced threat perception, vigilance against specific forms of extremism is still imperative.