The Swedish government launched its first-ever strategy on cyber and digital issues in foreign and security policy on Monday.
The strategy, “Sweden in a Digital World—A Strategy for Sweden’s Foreign and Security Policy on Cyber and Digital Issues,” covers all aspects of foreign policy, including security, trade, human rights and development cooperation. Key priorities include working with the European Union, NATO, bilateral partners and the private sector.
Foreign Affairs Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the strategy addresses the growing significance of cyber and digital issues in global affairs. “It’s about strengthening Sweden’s prosperity and competitiveness in a digital world and strengthening our resilience to cyber threats through international cooperation,” the minister said in a statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which developed the strategy, said the new framework will help guide the government in developing a coherent and integrated approach to cyber and digital issues.
Earlier this year, Sweden held an inaugural bilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue with the United States, where the two nations reaffirmed their partnership on cybersecurity and digital policy issues. In the dialogue, Washington and Stockholm reiterated the importance of cooperation in strengthening the security of information and communications technology systems, enhancing cyber resilience and developing next-generation technologies such as 6G, machine learning and quantum computing.