Social Sustainability
#3Key Findings
Sweden performs well in international comparison (rank 3) in the category of social sustainability.
Education has been a key political focus of reform. However, student performance on the PISA has declined. Public spending on education has been slightly lower than the OECD average. More than 90% of children between the ages of 2 and 3 are enrolled in early childhood education.
The country has a strong tradition of social welfare, but the current government is reforming policies. Financial support is tailored to individual needs. The risk of poverty in Sweden is higher than the OECD average. The healthcare system is universal, with high quality, but costs are high. Responsibilities are distributed among the municipal, regional, national and EU levels.
Gender equality has been a strong government focus, but income disparities between men and women are widening. In 2022, the population receiving paid parental leave was 54% women and 46% men. Official retirement ages are being increased. Immigration policies are being significantly tightened in part due to concerns about failed integration and migrant crime.
Education has been a key political focus of reform. However, student performance on the PISA has declined. Public spending on education has been slightly lower than the OECD average. More than 90% of children between the ages of 2 and 3 are enrolled in early childhood education.
The country has a strong tradition of social welfare, but the current government is reforming policies. Financial support is tailored to individual needs. The risk of poverty in Sweden is higher than the OECD average. The healthcare system is universal, with high quality, but costs are high. Responsibilities are distributed among the municipal, regional, national and EU levels.
Gender equality has been a strong government focus, but income disparities between men and women are widening. In 2022, the population receiving paid parental leave was 54% women and 46% men. Official retirement ages are being increased. Immigration policies are being significantly tightened in part due to concerns about failed integration and migrant crime.
Graph View
Graph View
To what extent do policies and regulations in the education system hinder or facilitate high-quality education and training?
10
9
9
Education policies are fully aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
8
7
6
7
6
Education policies are largely aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
5
4
3
4
3
Education policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
2
1
1
Education policies are not at all aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
Education has consistently been a political priority, with each government promising reform to address ongoing issues of poor student performance. The current administration asserts that schools and the education system must return to basics, emphasizing facts and skills such as writing and arithmetic (Regeringskansliet, 2023).
Even though education is a prioritized policy area, Sweden’s expenditure on public education was slightly lower than the OECD average in 2020. Despite efforts to improve the education system, Sweden was ranked 14th in the PISA results from 2022, which is lower than the 11th place achieved in 2018 (PISA, 2024). In 2022, Sweden’s performance in math and reading comprehension decreased to the same level as in 2012, marking Sweden’s lowest scores in these categories. The results in natural sciences remained unchanged from 2018. However, Sweden’s average score of 4.49 is above the OECD average of 4.43 (Skolverket, 2023a).
Learning about sustainable development is integrated into the curriculum and is one of the learning objectives for Swedish elementary schools (Skolverket 2023c; Skolverket 2023d). In 2019, the government voted to implement sustainable development as a mandatory subject in schools (Motion 2019/20:1110). During 2022, the Schools Inspectorate reviewed the quality of elementary schools’ work in mainstreaming sustainable development in all subjects. The inspection showed that teaching on sustainable development issues could be improved in 27 of the 30 examined schools. Few schools reach high quality in their work (Skolinspektionen 2023).
Labor market policy in Sweden is regulated by the Act (SFS 2000, 625) on Labor Market Policy Initiatives. The initiatives consist of programs and activities designed to strengthen individual opportunities for obtaining or retaining employment. These regulations apply nationally and thus cover all regions. However, different circumstances apply to residents of support regions 1 and 2 seeking assistance to start a business. Support regions, or De-SO regions, denote areas eligible for special business support. De-SO areas are demographic statistical zones divided into three groups: Area A covers larger populations or urban areas, Area B consists mostly of larger populated areas outside the main city of a municipality, and Area C primarily comprises areas located within the main city of a municipality. Support regions 1 and 2 encompass De-SO municipalities in northern or central Sweden, with support region 2 also covering five municipalities in the county of Västra Götaland in southwestern Sweden. In these areas, individuals do not need to be unemployed or at risk of unemployment to qualify for support. The programs offer assistance to job seekers and employers and provide initiatives for individuals with disabilities that may affect their ability to work. Additionally, the programs aim to ensure job seekers are trained in areas in demand by the labor market to prevent labor shortages. The Swedish Public Employment Service (arbetsförmedlingen) is generally responsible for these initiatives and annually publishes a report on the labor market policy initiatives and programs (Arbetsförmedlingen, 2022).
Lifelong learning opportunities are a prioritized policy area, and the Higher Education Act (högskolelagen) (1992:1434) regulates that university organizations should encourage lifelong learning.
The government has assigned Sweden’s universities to analyze their courses as part of implementing new retraining support (Utbildningsdepartementet, 2022). The retraining support is directed to individuals between the ages of 27 and 62 who have worked for at least eight of the last 14 years. The support applies to the same forms of education as ordinary student financing but is geared toward strengthening individuals’ roles in the labor market (CSN, 2023). According to recent EU data, Sweden is “the top performer” in the EU, with more than a third of adults participating in lifelong learning schemes in 2021 (Eurostat 2023).
Citations:
Arbetsförmedlingen. 2022. Arbetsmarknadspolitiska program 2021 - Arbetsförmedlingens återrapportering 2022. Stockholm: Arbetsförmedlingen.
CSN. 2023. “Vad är omställningsstudiestöd och vem kan få det?” https://www.csn.se/bidrag-och-lan/studiestod/omstallningsstudiestod/vad-ar-omstallningsstudiestod-och-vem-kan-fa-det.html#expand:svid10_7492da0018673d6dd263fb
Eurostat. 2023. “Participation in lifelong learning increases in 2021.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/edn-20230130-1
Motion 2019/20:1110 Hållbar utveckling som obligatoriskt ämne i skolan https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/motion/hallbar-utveckling-som-obligatoriskt-amne-i-skolan_h7021110/
PISA. 2024. “Programme for International Student Assessment.” https://www.oecd.org/pisa/
Regeringskansliet. 2023. “Regeringens prioritering: Skola.” https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/regeringens-prioriteringar/skola/
SFS. 2000. Lag om den arbetsmarknadspolitiska verksamheten. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-2000625-om-den-arbetsmarknadspolitiska_sfs-2000-625/
SFS 1992:1434 Högskolelagen. 1992. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/hogskolelag-19921434_sfs-1992-1434/
Skolinspektionen. 2023. Skolors arbete med lärande för hållbar utveckling - Att ge eleever handlingskompetens för de stora utmaningarna. Stockholm: Skolinspektionen.
Skolverket. 2023a. “Försämrade PISA-resultat i Sverige och i många andra länder.” https://www.skolverket.se/om-oss/press/pressmeddelanden/pressmeddelanden/2023-12-05-forsamrade-pisa-resultat-i-sverige-och-i-manga-andra-lander
Skolverket. 2023b. “Läroplan för grundskolan samt för förskoleklassen och fritidshemmet.” https://www.skolverket.se/undervisning/grundskolan/laroplan-och-kursplaner-for-grundskolan/laroplan-lgr22-for-grundskolan-samt-for-forskoleklassen-och-fritidshemmet
Skolverket. 2023c. “Gymnasieskolan.” https://www.skolverket.se/undervisning/gymnasieskolan/laroplan-program-och-amnen-i-gymnasieskolan/laroplan-gy11-for-gymnasieskolan
Utbildningsdepartementen. 2022. “Regerings beslut: Uppdrag att genomlysa utbildningsbudet för livslångt lärande och omställning.” https://www.regeringen.se/regeringsuppdrag/2022/06/uppdrag-att-genomlysa-utbildningsutbudet-for-livslangt-larande-och-omstallning/
Even though education is a prioritized policy area, Sweden’s expenditure on public education was slightly lower than the OECD average in 2020. Despite efforts to improve the education system, Sweden was ranked 14th in the PISA results from 2022, which is lower than the 11th place achieved in 2018 (PISA, 2024). In 2022, Sweden’s performance in math and reading comprehension decreased to the same level as in 2012, marking Sweden’s lowest scores in these categories. The results in natural sciences remained unchanged from 2018. However, Sweden’s average score of 4.49 is above the OECD average of 4.43 (Skolverket, 2023a).
Learning about sustainable development is integrated into the curriculum and is one of the learning objectives for Swedish elementary schools (Skolverket 2023c; Skolverket 2023d). In 2019, the government voted to implement sustainable development as a mandatory subject in schools (Motion 2019/20:1110). During 2022, the Schools Inspectorate reviewed the quality of elementary schools’ work in mainstreaming sustainable development in all subjects. The inspection showed that teaching on sustainable development issues could be improved in 27 of the 30 examined schools. Few schools reach high quality in their work (Skolinspektionen 2023).
Labor market policy in Sweden is regulated by the Act (SFS 2000, 625) on Labor Market Policy Initiatives. The initiatives consist of programs and activities designed to strengthen individual opportunities for obtaining or retaining employment. These regulations apply nationally and thus cover all regions. However, different circumstances apply to residents of support regions 1 and 2 seeking assistance to start a business. Support regions, or De-SO regions, denote areas eligible for special business support. De-SO areas are demographic statistical zones divided into three groups: Area A covers larger populations or urban areas, Area B consists mostly of larger populated areas outside the main city of a municipality, and Area C primarily comprises areas located within the main city of a municipality. Support regions 1 and 2 encompass De-SO municipalities in northern or central Sweden, with support region 2 also covering five municipalities in the county of Västra Götaland in southwestern Sweden. In these areas, individuals do not need to be unemployed or at risk of unemployment to qualify for support. The programs offer assistance to job seekers and employers and provide initiatives for individuals with disabilities that may affect their ability to work. Additionally, the programs aim to ensure job seekers are trained in areas in demand by the labor market to prevent labor shortages. The Swedish Public Employment Service (arbetsförmedlingen) is generally responsible for these initiatives and annually publishes a report on the labor market policy initiatives and programs (Arbetsförmedlingen, 2022).
Lifelong learning opportunities are a prioritized policy area, and the Higher Education Act (högskolelagen) (1992:1434) regulates that university organizations should encourage lifelong learning.
The government has assigned Sweden’s universities to analyze their courses as part of implementing new retraining support (Utbildningsdepartementet, 2022). The retraining support is directed to individuals between the ages of 27 and 62 who have worked for at least eight of the last 14 years. The support applies to the same forms of education as ordinary student financing but is geared toward strengthening individuals’ roles in the labor market (CSN, 2023). According to recent EU data, Sweden is “the top performer” in the EU, with more than a third of adults participating in lifelong learning schemes in 2021 (Eurostat 2023).
Citations:
Arbetsförmedlingen. 2022. Arbetsmarknadspolitiska program 2021 - Arbetsförmedlingens återrapportering 2022. Stockholm: Arbetsförmedlingen.
CSN. 2023. “Vad är omställningsstudiestöd och vem kan få det?” https://www.csn.se/bidrag-och-lan/studiestod/omstallningsstudiestod/vad-ar-omstallningsstudiestod-och-vem-kan-fa-det.html#expand:svid10_7492da0018673d6dd263fb
Eurostat. 2023. “Participation in lifelong learning increases in 2021.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/edn-20230130-1
Motion 2019/20:1110 Hållbar utveckling som obligatoriskt ämne i skolan https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/motion/hallbar-utveckling-som-obligatoriskt-amne-i-skolan_h7021110/
PISA. 2024. “Programme for International Student Assessment.” https://www.oecd.org/pisa/
Regeringskansliet. 2023. “Regeringens prioritering: Skola.” https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/regeringens-prioriteringar/skola/
SFS. 2000. Lag om den arbetsmarknadspolitiska verksamheten. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-2000625-om-den-arbetsmarknadspolitiska_sfs-2000-625/
SFS 1992:1434 Högskolelagen. 1992. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/hogskolelag-19921434_sfs-1992-1434/
Skolinspektionen. 2023. Skolors arbete med lärande för hållbar utveckling - Att ge eleever handlingskompetens för de stora utmaningarna. Stockholm: Skolinspektionen.
Skolverket. 2023a. “Försämrade PISA-resultat i Sverige och i många andra länder.” https://www.skolverket.se/om-oss/press/pressmeddelanden/pressmeddelanden/2023-12-05-forsamrade-pisa-resultat-i-sverige-och-i-manga-andra-lander
Skolverket. 2023b. “Läroplan för grundskolan samt för förskoleklassen och fritidshemmet.” https://www.skolverket.se/undervisning/grundskolan/laroplan-och-kursplaner-for-grundskolan/laroplan-lgr22-for-grundskolan-samt-for-forskoleklassen-och-fritidshemmet
Skolverket. 2023c. “Gymnasieskolan.” https://www.skolverket.se/undervisning/gymnasieskolan/laroplan-program-och-amnen-i-gymnasieskolan/laroplan-gy11-for-gymnasieskolan
Utbildningsdepartementen. 2022. “Regerings beslut: Uppdrag att genomlysa utbildningsbudet för livslångt lärande och omställning.” https://www.regeringen.se/regeringsuppdrag/2022/06/uppdrag-att-genomlysa-utbildningsutbudet-for-livslangt-larande-och-omstallning/
To what extent does the current policy approach in the education system hinder or facilitate equitable access to high-quality education and training?
10
9
9
Education policies are fully aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
8
7
6
7
6
Education policies are largely aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
5
4
3
4
3
Education policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
2
1
1
Education policies are not at all aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
Sweden provides equitable access to education for all (SFS 2010, 800), which contributes to the country’s strong performance in gender equity in educational attainment. Municipalities are responsible for pre-schools, elementary schools, special elementary schools, high schools, special high schools, municipal adult education, special education for adults, education in Swedish for immigrants, and after-school activities, unless otherwise stated. Pre-schools and schools are considered critical societal operations, and the law requires that they be maintained during times of crisis and heightened alert to the extent that prevailing circumstances allow (Skolverket, 2023a). The Swedish Education Act (SFS 2010, 800) regulates the recruitment of teachers, ensuring highly skilled educators. However, there is a persistent lack of qualified personnel in rural areas, especially in the north.
Sweden has a strong tradition of preschool education, and the government spent €8,294 million on early childhood education in 2020, the third highest expenditure in Europe after Germany and France (Eurostat, 2023a). Sweden was ranked fourth among OECD countries in terms of early childhood education for children aged between three and the starting age of compulsory primary education. It is also one of four countries where over 90% of children between ages 2 – 3 are enrolled in early childhood education (OECD, 2023).
Equal access to education is regulated by the Education Act (SFS 2010, 800). Gender-equal education is a key component of Sweden’s equality targets. Currently, there are notable gender differences in study results, mental health, choice of education, and values. In 2021 – 2022, girls generally had grades that were 10% higher than boys’ grades. Additionally, 78% of girls reported experiencing quite a lot or a high level of stress from schoolwork, while the corresponding figure for boys was 51% (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023).
Schools are obliged to prevent and remedy discrimination as regulated by the Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), which stipulates seven grounds for discrimination: sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, and age. In higher education, there are more female students than male students, but slightly more men than women are Ph.D. students. Higher positions at universities are less equal; for example, only three out of ten professors are women (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023).
Sweden ranks 15th in the PISA results concerning socioeconomic background (OECD, 2023). Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds perform worse in math, reading comprehension, and natural science. Math scores are not statistically significantly different from the OECD average, but in reading comprehension and natural science, the differences are larger in Sweden than the OECD average (Skolverket, 2023b). Students with foreign backgrounds generally achieve lower scores than those born in Sweden. However, the differences diminish after adjusting for socioeconomic background (Skolverket, 2023b).
Elementary and high school levels of education for adults are referred to as municipal adult education and are regulated by the Education Act (SFS 2010, 800). The purpose of adult education is to strengthen and stimulate lifelong learning, providing opportunities for knowledge and skills that enhance an individual’s role in the labor market and society. Priority is given to those with the least education, with the educational approach based on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
Sweden’s policies are reflected in the increase in the population with post-secondary educational attainment over the last three decades. In the early 1990s, just over 10% of the population had some form of post-secondary education, while in 2022 (latest available data), this figure had increased to almost 50%. More women than men have attained at least a three-year tertiary education, whereas slightly more men than women have attained a doctorate degree. Sweden performs well in gender equity but less well in spatial terms. Educational attainment is higher in urban areas than in rural areas, likely reflecting the gap in employment opportunities. Finally, people born outside Sweden have a slightly lower level of education, though there are disparities within this group depending on country of birth, immigrant group, age, and reasons for migration (SCB, 2022).
Citations:
Eurostat. 2023a. “Public Educational Expenditure by Education Level, Programme Orientation, Type of Source and Expenditure Category.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/EDUC_UOE_FINE02__custom_1182194/default/table?lang=en
Eurostat. 2023b. “Ratio of pupils and students to teachers and academic staff by education level and programme orientation.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/EDUC_UOE_PERP04/default/table?lang=en
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023. “Delmål 3: Jämställd utbildning.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-3-jamstalld-utbildning/
OECD. 2023. Education at a Glance 2023: OECD Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/e13bef63-en.
SFS. 2008. Diskrimineringslag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/diskrimineringslag-2008567_sfs-2008-567/
SCB, Statistiska centralbyrån. 2022. Befolkningens utbildning 2022 Temarapport 2023:8.
SFS. 2010. “Skollag.” https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/skollag-2010800_sfs-2010-800
Skolverket. 2023. Skolväsendets ansvar vid kris och höjd beredskap. Skolverket.
Skolverket. 2023. Pisa 2022: 15-åringars kunskaper i matematik, läsförståelse och naturvetenskap. Stockholm: Skolverket.
https://www.skolverket.se/regler-och-ansvar/ansvar-i-skolfragor/skolvasendets-ansvar-vid-kris-och-hojd-beredskap
Sweden has a strong tradition of preschool education, and the government spent €8,294 million on early childhood education in 2020, the third highest expenditure in Europe after Germany and France (Eurostat, 2023a). Sweden was ranked fourth among OECD countries in terms of early childhood education for children aged between three and the starting age of compulsory primary education. It is also one of four countries where over 90% of children between ages 2 – 3 are enrolled in early childhood education (OECD, 2023).
Equal access to education is regulated by the Education Act (SFS 2010, 800). Gender-equal education is a key component of Sweden’s equality targets. Currently, there are notable gender differences in study results, mental health, choice of education, and values. In 2021 – 2022, girls generally had grades that were 10% higher than boys’ grades. Additionally, 78% of girls reported experiencing quite a lot or a high level of stress from schoolwork, while the corresponding figure for boys was 51% (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023).
Schools are obliged to prevent and remedy discrimination as regulated by the Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), which stipulates seven grounds for discrimination: sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, and age. In higher education, there are more female students than male students, but slightly more men than women are Ph.D. students. Higher positions at universities are less equal; for example, only three out of ten professors are women (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023).
Sweden ranks 15th in the PISA results concerning socioeconomic background (OECD, 2023). Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds perform worse in math, reading comprehension, and natural science. Math scores are not statistically significantly different from the OECD average, but in reading comprehension and natural science, the differences are larger in Sweden than the OECD average (Skolverket, 2023b). Students with foreign backgrounds generally achieve lower scores than those born in Sweden. However, the differences diminish after adjusting for socioeconomic background (Skolverket, 2023b).
Elementary and high school levels of education for adults are referred to as municipal adult education and are regulated by the Education Act (SFS 2010, 800). The purpose of adult education is to strengthen and stimulate lifelong learning, providing opportunities for knowledge and skills that enhance an individual’s role in the labor market and society. Priority is given to those with the least education, with the educational approach based on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
Sweden’s policies are reflected in the increase in the population with post-secondary educational attainment over the last three decades. In the early 1990s, just over 10% of the population had some form of post-secondary education, while in 2022 (latest available data), this figure had increased to almost 50%. More women than men have attained at least a three-year tertiary education, whereas slightly more men than women have attained a doctorate degree. Sweden performs well in gender equity but less well in spatial terms. Educational attainment is higher in urban areas than in rural areas, likely reflecting the gap in employment opportunities. Finally, people born outside Sweden have a slightly lower level of education, though there are disparities within this group depending on country of birth, immigrant group, age, and reasons for migration (SCB, 2022).
Citations:
Eurostat. 2023a. “Public Educational Expenditure by Education Level, Programme Orientation, Type of Source and Expenditure Category.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/EDUC_UOE_FINE02__custom_1182194/default/table?lang=en
Eurostat. 2023b. “Ratio of pupils and students to teachers and academic staff by education level and programme orientation.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/EDUC_UOE_PERP04/default/table?lang=en
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023. “Delmål 3: Jämställd utbildning.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-3-jamstalld-utbildning/
OECD. 2023. Education at a Glance 2023: OECD Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/e13bef63-en.
SFS. 2008. Diskrimineringslag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/diskrimineringslag-2008567_sfs-2008-567/
SCB, Statistiska centralbyrån. 2022. Befolkningens utbildning 2022 Temarapport 2023:8.
SFS. 2010. “Skollag.” https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/skollag-2010800_sfs-2010-800
Skolverket. 2023. Skolväsendets ansvar vid kris och höjd beredskap. Skolverket.
Skolverket. 2023. Pisa 2022: 15-åringars kunskaper i matematik, läsförståelse och naturvetenskap. Stockholm: Skolverket.
https://www.skolverket.se/regler-och-ansvar/ansvar-i-skolfragor/skolvasendets-ansvar-vid-kris-och-hojd-beredskap
Graph View
To what extent do existing institutions ensure equal access to essential services and basic income support for those in need?
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9
9
Existing essential public services and basic income support are fully aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
8
7
6
7
6
Existing essential public services and basic income support are largely aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
5
4
3
4
3
Existing essential public services and basic income support are only somewhat aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
2
1
1
Existing essential public services and basic income support are not at all aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
Sweden has a tradition of strong social welfare and social inclusion policies. The Social Services Act (SFS 2001:453) regulates aid and aims to promote economic and social safety, equity, and the ability to actively participate in society.
The political landscape has changed in recent years, resulting in a transformed welfare system and challenges in areas such as the integration of the immigrant population, unemployment and poverty (Petridou et al., 2022). The so-called Tidöavtalet, the government cooperation agreement of the minority government with the supporting radical right-wing Sweden Democrats, includes for the term of office 2022 – 2026 reforms that affect social welfare and inclusion. For example, the Social Services Act (SFS 2001:453) will be reformed, municipal crime prevention efforts will be regulated, and immigration and criminality have become more strictly regulated. The Tidöavtalet implies a “paradigm shift” in the perception of the reception of asylum-seekers. According to the agreement, Sweden will not in any way be more generous concerning asylum than demanded by EU law and other binding international agreements (Tidöavtalet, 2022).
Information about individuals’ right to access essential services and basic income support is available on the National Board of Health and Welfare’s website. The website contains general information and rules about income support and other forms of economic support, a service to calculate income support, and information about how to apply for income support at the municipality level.
Income support is regulated by the Social Services Act (SFS 2001:453), and everyone who fulfills the income verification requirements has the right to be supported by social services through income support. The support is designed to strengthen individuals’ ability to lead an independent life.
The income support is meant to cover the household’s regular monthly expenses according to the national standard – the minimum income benefits for the costs of food, clothing, shoes, leisure activities, consumables, health, hygiene, newspapers, and phones. Additional parts of the income support cover the actual costs for housing, electricity, insurance, commutes, and union and unemployment insurance (Socialstyrelsen, 2023; Baptista, I. & Marlier, E., 2020).
Citations:
Baptista, I., and E. Marlier. 2020. Access to Essential Services for People on Low Incomes in Europe: An Analysis of Policies in 35 Countries. Brussels: European Commission.
Petridou, E., Sparf, J., Jochem, S., and Jahn, D. 2022. Sweden Report: Sustainable Governance Indicators 2022. Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung. https://doi.org/10.11586/2022119
Socialstyrelsen. 2023. “Ekonomiskt bistånd – för privatpersoner.” https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/kunskapsstod-och-regler/omraden/ekonomiskt-bistand/ekonomiskt-bistand-for-privatpersoner/
Tidöavtalet. 2022. Tidöavtalet: Överenskommelse för Sverige. https://www.liberalerna.se/wp-content/uploads/tidoavtalet-overenskommelse-for-sverige-slutlig.pdf
The political landscape has changed in recent years, resulting in a transformed welfare system and challenges in areas such as the integration of the immigrant population, unemployment and poverty (Petridou et al., 2022). The so-called Tidöavtalet, the government cooperation agreement of the minority government with the supporting radical right-wing Sweden Democrats, includes for the term of office 2022 – 2026 reforms that affect social welfare and inclusion. For example, the Social Services Act (SFS 2001:453) will be reformed, municipal crime prevention efforts will be regulated, and immigration and criminality have become more strictly regulated. The Tidöavtalet implies a “paradigm shift” in the perception of the reception of asylum-seekers. According to the agreement, Sweden will not in any way be more generous concerning asylum than demanded by EU law and other binding international agreements (Tidöavtalet, 2022).
Information about individuals’ right to access essential services and basic income support is available on the National Board of Health and Welfare’s website. The website contains general information and rules about income support and other forms of economic support, a service to calculate income support, and information about how to apply for income support at the municipality level.
Income support is regulated by the Social Services Act (SFS 2001:453), and everyone who fulfills the income verification requirements has the right to be supported by social services through income support. The support is designed to strengthen individuals’ ability to lead an independent life.
The income support is meant to cover the household’s regular monthly expenses according to the national standard – the minimum income benefits for the costs of food, clothing, shoes, leisure activities, consumables, health, hygiene, newspapers, and phones. Additional parts of the income support cover the actual costs for housing, electricity, insurance, commutes, and union and unemployment insurance (Socialstyrelsen, 2023; Baptista, I. & Marlier, E., 2020).
Citations:
Baptista, I., and E. Marlier. 2020. Access to Essential Services for People on Low Incomes in Europe: An Analysis of Policies in 35 Countries. Brussels: European Commission.
Petridou, E., Sparf, J., Jochem, S., and Jahn, D. 2022. Sweden Report: Sustainable Governance Indicators 2022. Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung. https://doi.org/10.11586/2022119
Socialstyrelsen. 2023. “Ekonomiskt bistånd – för privatpersoner.” https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/kunskapsstod-och-regler/omraden/ekonomiskt-bistand/ekonomiskt-bistand-for-privatpersoner/
Tidöavtalet. 2022. Tidöavtalet: Överenskommelse för Sverige. https://www.liberalerna.se/wp-content/uploads/tidoavtalet-overenskommelse-for-sverige-slutlig.pdf
To what extent do existing institutions and policies ensure high-quality services and basic income support?
10
9
9
Existing essential public services and basic income support are fully aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
8
7
6
7
6
Existing essential public services and basic income support are largely aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
5
4
3
4
3
Existing essential public services and basic income support are only somewhat aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
2
1
1
Existing essential public services and basic income support are not at all aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
State financial support to individuals and families in need is flexible and not designed to be “one-size-fits-all.” The National Board of Health and Welfare states that the decision calculus for governmental subsidies should account for factors such as medical reasons for an expensive diet and after-school activities for children when considering any increase in the disbursement amount. Social Services should provide support for electricity, work-related travel expenses such as public transportation or car costs for individuals who depend on a car to commute, home insurance, union membership and unemployment insurance, and other life costs such as health and dental care, glasses, home equipment, moving costs, baby equipment, social trips, costs for municipal services, recreation, and funeral costs (Socialstyrelsen, 2019). Essential services such as water, sanitation, energy, public transport, and digital services are covered by the social assistance program, while a means-based housing allowance covers other necessary costs. The municipalities are responsible for managing the financial support (Baptista & Marlier, 2020).
As of 2022, the number of households and individuals who received financial support decreased by 7.6% compared to the preceding year (Stockholm University, 2023). Approximately 161,000 households received financial support at some point during 2022, which represents around 3% of the total number of households. The most common age group among those who received support was 30-39-year-olds. Single men without children are the most common type of household to receive financial support, followed by single women without children. When adjusting for household type, financial support is most common among single women with children; around 13% of all single women with children received financial support. The number of people who receive financial support varies between municipalities (Socialstyrelsen 2023).
Despite the decrease in households and individuals receiving financial support, the risk of poverty in Sweden is higher than the OECD average. According to the quantitative indicators in this report, Sweden is rated above average concerning individuals who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Citations:
Baptista, I., and E. Marlier. 2020. Access to Essential Services for People on Low Incomes in Europe: An Analysis of Policies in 35 Countries. Brussels: European Commission.
Socialstyrelsen. 2017. “Senaste version av SOSFS 2013:1 Socialstyrelsens allmänna råd om ekonomiskt bistånd.” https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/kunskapsstod-och-regler/regler-och-riktlinjer/foreskrifter-och-allmanna-rad/konsoliderade-foreskrifter/20131-om-ekonomiskt-bistand
Socialstyrelsen. 2023. “Statistik om ekonomiskt bistånd 2022.” https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/globalassets/sharepoint-dokument/artikelkatalog/statistik/2023-6-8596.pdf
Stockholm University. 2023. “SPIN Index.” https://www.su.se/social-policy-indicators-database/data?open-collapse-boxes=ccbd-childbenefitdatasetcbd,ccbd-childcaredatasetccd,ccbd-outofworkbenefitsdatasetoutwb,ccbd-housingbenefitsdatasethben#housingbenefitsdatasethben
As of 2022, the number of households and individuals who received financial support decreased by 7.6% compared to the preceding year (Stockholm University, 2023). Approximately 161,000 households received financial support at some point during 2022, which represents around 3% of the total number of households. The most common age group among those who received support was 30-39-year-olds. Single men without children are the most common type of household to receive financial support, followed by single women without children. When adjusting for household type, financial support is most common among single women with children; around 13% of all single women with children received financial support. The number of people who receive financial support varies between municipalities (Socialstyrelsen 2023).
Despite the decrease in households and individuals receiving financial support, the risk of poverty in Sweden is higher than the OECD average. According to the quantitative indicators in this report, Sweden is rated above average concerning individuals who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Citations:
Baptista, I., and E. Marlier. 2020. Access to Essential Services for People on Low Incomes in Europe: An Analysis of Policies in 35 Countries. Brussels: European Commission.
Socialstyrelsen. 2017. “Senaste version av SOSFS 2013:1 Socialstyrelsens allmänna råd om ekonomiskt bistånd.” https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/kunskapsstod-och-regler/regler-och-riktlinjer/foreskrifter-och-allmanna-rad/konsoliderade-foreskrifter/20131-om-ekonomiskt-bistand
Socialstyrelsen. 2023. “Statistik om ekonomiskt bistånd 2022.” https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/globalassets/sharepoint-dokument/artikelkatalog/statistik/2023-6-8596.pdf
Stockholm University. 2023. “SPIN Index.” https://www.su.se/social-policy-indicators-database/data?open-collapse-boxes=ccbd-childbenefitdatasetcbd,ccbd-childcaredatasetccd,ccbd-outofworkbenefitsdatasetoutwb,ccbd-housingbenefitsdatasethben#housingbenefitsdatasethben
Graph View
To what extent does current health policy hinder or facilitate health system resilience?
10
9
9
Health policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
8
7
6
7
6
Health policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
5
4
3
4
3
Health policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
2
1
1
Health policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
Several government initiatives aim to bolster the resilience of the Swedish healthcare system, including building a digital infrastructure and integrating the healthcare system into successful preparedness for crises or war. These efforts are set against the backdrop of scarce resources and an aging population that further strains these resources.
The first initiative regarding digital healthcare was adopted in 2006 and updated in 2016. The ehealth vision states that by 2025 Sweden will have the “best” digital healthcare in the world (e.hälsa 2024). Despite the ambitious goal of this vision, regions report that digital care is integrated into healthcare provision, with 75% of the regions currently using digital solutions. Self-monitoring is used by healthcare providers. However, people over 75 tend to use fewer digital services, and there is variation in the usage of such services among the foreign-born population. Regions are also exploring AI and how it could streamline healthcare (Socialstyrelse 2023a). Digital healthcare is also part of the “good and close-by” initiative, a collaboration between the state and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (Regeringen 2023a).
The importance of healthcare as part of the total defense strategy has been highlighted in a recent commission of inquiry (SOU, 2020, 23), especially in light of recent geopolitical developments in the region. To ensure the functionality and resilience of healthcare systems during crises, policies and regulations specify how healthcare should be organized. The Health and Medical Services Act (2017:30) (Socialstyrelse 2023b) remains applicable during periods of heightened alert or war. The government aims to strengthen healthcare capacity through reforms and measures, such as implementing state subsidies for preparedness, which replace former agreements between the state and regions and municipalities (Government Offices, 2023a).
After the COVID-19 pandemic, a special investigation was appointed to analyze Sweden’s regulation of disease control to prepare for future pandemics (Regerigen, 2023b). It is the responsibility of the regions and municipalities to plan to maintain their functions in such times, and the Swedish Armed Forces are involved in coordinating the organization (SOU 2020, 23; Government Offices of Sweden, 2023b).
Sweden has an aging population, and the share of people who are 60 years or older has increased (SCB, 2022). Sweden is transitioning its healthcare system toward “good and close-by care,” which is seen as crucial to meet the needs of an aging population.
Funding remains a persistent issue in the Swedish healthcare system, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, especially regarding human resources. The government is expected to make a decision on further allocation of resources in 2024 (SKR 2024).
Citations:
Government Offices of Sweden. 2023a. “Socialtjänstens och hälso- och sjukvårdens beredskap ska styras och följas upp genom statsbidrag.” https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2023/06/socialtjanstens-och-halso–och-sjukvardens-beredskap-ska-styras-och-foljas-upp-genom-statsbidrag
Government Offices of Sweden. 2023b. “Vården ska fungera även i kris och krig.” https://www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2023/06/varden-ska-fungera-aven-i-kris-och-krig/
the Swedish Government Offices and SKR. 2023. God och nära vård 2023 - En omställning av hälso- och sjukvården med primärvården som nav, överenskommelse mellan staten och Sveriges Kommuner och regioner.
Regeringen. 2023. “Dir. 2023:106 Kommittédirektiv Stärkt beredskap inför framtida pandemier.” https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/1e64598666634a1696621887508b6182/kom.dir.-starkt-beredskap-infor-framtida-pandemier-s2023_02169.pdf
Health and Medical Service Act. 2017. Source. 2017, 30.
SCB. 2022. “SCB publicerar stor kartläggning av Sveriges äldre.” Sveriges statistiska centralbyrå https://www.scb.se/pressmeddelande/scb-publicerar-stor-kartlaggning-av-sveriges-aldre/
SKR. 2024. “Viktigt besked om pengar till regionerna.” https://skr.se/skr/tjanster/pressrum/nyheter/nyhetsarkiv/viktigtbeskedompengartillregionerna.79344.html
Socialsyterelse. 2023a. Tillämpning av digital vård i regionerna - en kartläggning [Implementation of digital care in the regions]. Stockholm: The National Board of Health and Welfare.
Socialstyrelese. 2023b. Health and Medical Service Act (2017, 30) https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/globalassets/sharepoint-dokument/artikelkatalog/ovrigt/2020-1-6564-english.pdf
SOU. 2020, 23. Hälso- och sjukvård i det civila försvaret - underlag till försvarspolitisk inriktning.
The first initiative regarding digital healthcare was adopted in 2006 and updated in 2016. The ehealth vision states that by 2025 Sweden will have the “best” digital healthcare in the world (e.hälsa 2024). Despite the ambitious goal of this vision, regions report that digital care is integrated into healthcare provision, with 75% of the regions currently using digital solutions. Self-monitoring is used by healthcare providers. However, people over 75 tend to use fewer digital services, and there is variation in the usage of such services among the foreign-born population. Regions are also exploring AI and how it could streamline healthcare (Socialstyrelse 2023a). Digital healthcare is also part of the “good and close-by” initiative, a collaboration between the state and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (Regeringen 2023a).
The importance of healthcare as part of the total defense strategy has been highlighted in a recent commission of inquiry (SOU, 2020, 23), especially in light of recent geopolitical developments in the region. To ensure the functionality and resilience of healthcare systems during crises, policies and regulations specify how healthcare should be organized. The Health and Medical Services Act (2017:30) (Socialstyrelse 2023b) remains applicable during periods of heightened alert or war. The government aims to strengthen healthcare capacity through reforms and measures, such as implementing state subsidies for preparedness, which replace former agreements between the state and regions and municipalities (Government Offices, 2023a).
After the COVID-19 pandemic, a special investigation was appointed to analyze Sweden’s regulation of disease control to prepare for future pandemics (Regerigen, 2023b). It is the responsibility of the regions and municipalities to plan to maintain their functions in such times, and the Swedish Armed Forces are involved in coordinating the organization (SOU 2020, 23; Government Offices of Sweden, 2023b).
Sweden has an aging population, and the share of people who are 60 years or older has increased (SCB, 2022). Sweden is transitioning its healthcare system toward “good and close-by care,” which is seen as crucial to meet the needs of an aging population.
Funding remains a persistent issue in the Swedish healthcare system, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, especially regarding human resources. The government is expected to make a decision on further allocation of resources in 2024 (SKR 2024).
Citations:
Government Offices of Sweden. 2023a. “Socialtjänstens och hälso- och sjukvårdens beredskap ska styras och följas upp genom statsbidrag.” https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2023/06/socialtjanstens-och-halso–och-sjukvardens-beredskap-ska-styras-och-foljas-upp-genom-statsbidrag
Government Offices of Sweden. 2023b. “Vården ska fungera även i kris och krig.” https://www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2023/06/varden-ska-fungera-aven-i-kris-och-krig/
the Swedish Government Offices and SKR. 2023. God och nära vård 2023 - En omställning av hälso- och sjukvården med primärvården som nav, överenskommelse mellan staten och Sveriges Kommuner och regioner.
Regeringen. 2023. “Dir. 2023:106 Kommittédirektiv Stärkt beredskap inför framtida pandemier.” https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/1e64598666634a1696621887508b6182/kom.dir.-starkt-beredskap-infor-framtida-pandemier-s2023_02169.pdf
Health and Medical Service Act. 2017. Source. 2017, 30.
SCB. 2022. “SCB publicerar stor kartläggning av Sveriges äldre.” Sveriges statistiska centralbyrå https://www.scb.se/pressmeddelande/scb-publicerar-stor-kartlaggning-av-sveriges-aldre/
SKR. 2024. “Viktigt besked om pengar till regionerna.” https://skr.se/skr/tjanster/pressrum/nyheter/nyhetsarkiv/viktigtbeskedompengartillregionerna.79344.html
Socialsyterelse. 2023a. Tillämpning av digital vård i regionerna - en kartläggning [Implementation of digital care in the regions]. Stockholm: The National Board of Health and Welfare.
Socialstyrelese. 2023b. Health and Medical Service Act (2017, 30) https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/globalassets/sharepoint-dokument/artikelkatalog/ovrigt/2020-1-6564-english.pdf
SOU. 2020, 23. Hälso- och sjukvård i det civila försvaret - underlag till försvarspolitisk inriktning.
To what extent does current health policy hinder or facilitate achieving high-quality healthcare?
10
9
9
Health policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
8
7
6
7
6
Health policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
5
4
3
4
3
Health policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
2
1
1
Health policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
Preventive healthcare and a healthy lifestyle are included in Sweden’s public health targets (PHA, 2023). However, in practice, preventive healthcare is not always readily available at public primary care centers. A public health policy aims to close any healthcare gaps within a generation through political efforts and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, including smoke-free areas, traffic speed limits, and legal age limits on tobacco and alcohol.
Sweden’s public health is generally good, with several indicators showing improvement, but disparities exist among population groups. Individuals with low socioeconomic status, especially women without upper secondary education, have shorter life expectancies (PHA, 2023). The Swedish population’s perceived health status, with a score of 5.67, is slightly above the OECD average of 5.38 (OECD output indicator P11.6). Additionally, Sweden performs well in terms of healthy life expectancy, scoring 6.63 compared to the OECD average of 5.57 (OECD output indicator P11.4).
Sweden’s spending on preventive healthcare increased from 2021, but as of 2023, it is still lower than the OECD average. In the OECD’s report “Health at a Glance 2023,” Sweden’s public health and preventive measures generally score well compared to other OECD countries. In terms of healthy food consumption, Sweden scores higher than the OECD average for daily vegetable consumption but lower than the average for fruit consumption. Fifty-six percent of both men and women in Sweden engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This figure is the sixth highest and well above the 40% OECD average. The self-reported overweight and obesity rate among adults is 15% in Sweden, compared to the OECD average of 18%. Sweden scored high in mammography screenings within the past two years, with 80% of women aged 50 – 69 participating, compared to the OECD average of 55.1%. Between the COVID-19 pandemic years 2020 – 2022, Sweden had 214 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, which is just below the OECD average of 225 deaths (OECD, 2023).
The quality of Swedish healthcare is good and performs well in international comparisons. Few people abstain from care due to costs or travel times, but long waiting times in Sweden do cause some to forgo care (AHCSA, 2022; Janlöv et al. 2023 119).
In 2021, Sweden spent 11.25% of its GDP on healthcare expenditures, a figure that declined to 10.67% in 2022. These numbers are higher than the OECD average of 10%. While the OECD average remained stable from 2020 – 2022, other countries also exhibited a similar decline in spending as Sweden. In comparison with other OECD countries, Sweden’s healthcare resources are relatively lacking. In both 2021 and 2022, there were 3.18 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants, below the OECD average of 4 physicians. Additionally, Sweden and Greece had the lowest number of consultations with doctors among all OECD countries. Sweden had 2 hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants in 2021, compared to the OECD average of 5 beds. The number of computed tomography scanners per 100,000 inhabitants decreased from 23.04 in 2021 to 22.96 in 2022, whereas the average for all OECD countries remained at 29 for both years.
Sweden’s healthcare costs are high compared to those of other countries, and improving efficiency is a major health policy goal. There is an ongoing reform to strengthen primary care and enhance integrated care in the pursuit of “a good and close care” (Janlöv et al., 2023, 170). One of the main challenges in Sweden is the coordination of care between different providers. Policies to improve coordination include clinical pathways implemented between 2015 and 2019 aimed at streamlining care and reducing waiting times. However, the implementation is recent, and there is not yet sufficient evidence to assess its impact (Janlöv et al., 2023, 119).
Citations:
AHCSA. 2022. Nationell uppföljning av hälso- och sjukvården 2022 - Indikatorer på kvalitet, jämlikhet och effektivitet. Stockholm: The Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis.
Janlöv, N., Blume, S., Glenngård, A.H., Hanspers, K., Anell, A., and Merkur, S. 2023. “Sweden: Health System Review.” Health Systems in Transition 25 (4).
PHA. 2023. Folkhälsan i Sverige - Årsrapport 2023 (The Public Health in Sweden - Yearly report 2023). The Public Health Agency of Sweden.
OECD. 2023. Health at a Glance 2023 - OECD Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/7a7afb35-en
Sweden’s public health is generally good, with several indicators showing improvement, but disparities exist among population groups. Individuals with low socioeconomic status, especially women without upper secondary education, have shorter life expectancies (PHA, 2023). The Swedish population’s perceived health status, with a score of 5.67, is slightly above the OECD average of 5.38 (OECD output indicator P11.6). Additionally, Sweden performs well in terms of healthy life expectancy, scoring 6.63 compared to the OECD average of 5.57 (OECD output indicator P11.4).
Sweden’s spending on preventive healthcare increased from 2021, but as of 2023, it is still lower than the OECD average. In the OECD’s report “Health at a Glance 2023,” Sweden’s public health and preventive measures generally score well compared to other OECD countries. In terms of healthy food consumption, Sweden scores higher than the OECD average for daily vegetable consumption but lower than the average for fruit consumption. Fifty-six percent of both men and women in Sweden engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This figure is the sixth highest and well above the 40% OECD average. The self-reported overweight and obesity rate among adults is 15% in Sweden, compared to the OECD average of 18%. Sweden scored high in mammography screenings within the past two years, with 80% of women aged 50 – 69 participating, compared to the OECD average of 55.1%. Between the COVID-19 pandemic years 2020 – 2022, Sweden had 214 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, which is just below the OECD average of 225 deaths (OECD, 2023).
The quality of Swedish healthcare is good and performs well in international comparisons. Few people abstain from care due to costs or travel times, but long waiting times in Sweden do cause some to forgo care (AHCSA, 2022; Janlöv et al. 2023 119).
In 2021, Sweden spent 11.25% of its GDP on healthcare expenditures, a figure that declined to 10.67% in 2022. These numbers are higher than the OECD average of 10%. While the OECD average remained stable from 2020 – 2022, other countries also exhibited a similar decline in spending as Sweden. In comparison with other OECD countries, Sweden’s healthcare resources are relatively lacking. In both 2021 and 2022, there were 3.18 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants, below the OECD average of 4 physicians. Additionally, Sweden and Greece had the lowest number of consultations with doctors among all OECD countries. Sweden had 2 hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants in 2021, compared to the OECD average of 5 beds. The number of computed tomography scanners per 100,000 inhabitants decreased from 23.04 in 2021 to 22.96 in 2022, whereas the average for all OECD countries remained at 29 for both years.
Sweden’s healthcare costs are high compared to those of other countries, and improving efficiency is a major health policy goal. There is an ongoing reform to strengthen primary care and enhance integrated care in the pursuit of “a good and close care” (Janlöv et al., 2023, 170). One of the main challenges in Sweden is the coordination of care between different providers. Policies to improve coordination include clinical pathways implemented between 2015 and 2019 aimed at streamlining care and reducing waiting times. However, the implementation is recent, and there is not yet sufficient evidence to assess its impact (Janlöv et al., 2023, 119).
Citations:
AHCSA. 2022. Nationell uppföljning av hälso- och sjukvården 2022 - Indikatorer på kvalitet, jämlikhet och effektivitet. Stockholm: The Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis.
Janlöv, N., Blume, S., Glenngård, A.H., Hanspers, K., Anell, A., and Merkur, S. 2023. “Sweden: Health System Review.” Health Systems in Transition 25 (4).
PHA. 2023. Folkhälsan i Sverige - Årsrapport 2023 (The Public Health in Sweden - Yearly report 2023). The Public Health Agency of Sweden.
OECD. 2023. Health at a Glance 2023 - OECD Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/7a7afb35-en
To what extent does current health policy hinder or facilitate equitable access to high-quality healthcare?
10
9
9
Health policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
8
7
6
7
6
Health policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
5
4
3
4
3
Health policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
2
1
1
Health policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
The healthcare system is part of Sweden’s welfare services. It offers universal healthcare, with the main objective of providing good and equitable health and care for the entire population (Janlöv et al., 2023). Healthcare is decentralized, with responsibility distributed among municipal, regional, national, and EU levels. The national government is responsible for policies and regulations – in this respect, the EU also provides incentives for national regulations – while the regions plan, organize, manage resource allocation, and are responsible for inpatient care and dental care. Municipalities are responsible for long-term care. Regions and municipalities divide the responsibility for ambulatory care and public health services (Janlöv et al., 2023).
An equitable and health-promoting healthcare system is one of eight target areas in Sweden’s public health initiatives, with several agencies involved in policy and evaluation. The policy aligns with Agenda 2030 and global targets, particularly target 3 concerning health and well-being. Despite efforts to ensure an equal healthcare system, differences in health persist between groups and regions.
The national evaluation of healthcare in 2022 shows a positive trend, but differences remain. Healthcare-related avoidable mortality and the health gap have decreased across the population, but they are larger for those with pre-secondary education compared to other education groups. Individuals in poor health report a more negative experience with healthcare and care coordination than those in good health.
“`Covid-19 affected the population unequally. The number of individuals who fell ill and required intensive care was higher among those with pre-secondary education and those born outside of Sweden. The relative difference between individuals with varying levels of education remained constant from 2020 to 2022. However, the disparity based on country of birth was significantly higher at the beginning of the pandemic but decreased in 2022 (PHA, 2023).“`
Further, regional differences affect the quality of and access to healthcare, particularly regarding waiting times, health outcomes, and the degree to which healthcare is “patient-oriented” (AHCSA, 2022). Issues of healthcare quality and accessibility are especially challenging in rural areas, due to factors such as long distances, medical outcome measures, and continuity (AHCSA, 2021).
Citations:
AHCSA. 2021. Långt bort men nära. Kartläggning av primärvården i landsbygden. Stockholm: The Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis.
AHCSA. 2022. Nationell uppföljning av hälso- och sjukvården 2022 - Indikatorer på kvalitet, jämlikhet och effektivitet. Stockholm: The Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis.
Janlöv, N., Blume, S., Glenngård, A.H., Hanspers, K., Anell, A., and Merkur, S. 2023. “Sweden: Health System Review.” Health Systems in Transition 25 (4). European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.
PHA. 2023. “Folkhälsan i Sverige - Årsrapport 2023.” https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/contentassets/a448b27d603c44f590fc1aff741b0d5d/folkhalsan-sverige-arsrapport-2023.pdf
An equitable and health-promoting healthcare system is one of eight target areas in Sweden’s public health initiatives, with several agencies involved in policy and evaluation. The policy aligns with Agenda 2030 and global targets, particularly target 3 concerning health and well-being. Despite efforts to ensure an equal healthcare system, differences in health persist between groups and regions.
The national evaluation of healthcare in 2022 shows a positive trend, but differences remain. Healthcare-related avoidable mortality and the health gap have decreased across the population, but they are larger for those with pre-secondary education compared to other education groups. Individuals in poor health report a more negative experience with healthcare and care coordination than those in good health.
“`Covid-19 affected the population unequally. The number of individuals who fell ill and required intensive care was higher among those with pre-secondary education and those born outside of Sweden. The relative difference between individuals with varying levels of education remained constant from 2020 to 2022. However, the disparity based on country of birth was significantly higher at the beginning of the pandemic but decreased in 2022 (PHA, 2023).“`
Further, regional differences affect the quality of and access to healthcare, particularly regarding waiting times, health outcomes, and the degree to which healthcare is “patient-oriented” (AHCSA, 2022). Issues of healthcare quality and accessibility are especially challenging in rural areas, due to factors such as long distances, medical outcome measures, and continuity (AHCSA, 2021).
Citations:
AHCSA. 2021. Långt bort men nära. Kartläggning av primärvården i landsbygden. Stockholm: The Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis.
AHCSA. 2022. Nationell uppföljning av hälso- och sjukvården 2022 - Indikatorer på kvalitet, jämlikhet och effektivitet. Stockholm: The Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis.
Janlöv, N., Blume, S., Glenngård, A.H., Hanspers, K., Anell, A., and Merkur, S. 2023. “Sweden: Health System Review.” Health Systems in Transition 25 (4). European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.
PHA. 2023. “Folkhälsan i Sverige - Årsrapport 2023.” https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/contentassets/a448b27d603c44f590fc1aff741b0d5d/folkhalsan-sverige-arsrapport-2023.pdf
Graph View
How committed is the government to ensuring gender equality in all respects?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
The goal of gender equality efforts in Sweden is for men and women to have equal power and the ability to shape their own lives and influence society at large. Gender mainstreaming has been a core strategy since 1994. Sweden’s work toward equality is divided into several objectives: an equal division of power and influence, economic gender equality, equal education, equal distribution of unpaid housework and provision of care, equal health, and an end to men’s violence against women (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023a). The Swedish Gender Equality Agency is the lead coordinating unit for equality efforts, but gender equality is mainstreamed across all agencies, social institutions, county boards, regions, municipalities, and universities (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023b). Statistics Sweden has developed several indicators to evaluate six equality targets (SCB, 2021).
Men’s violence against women is a poignant equality issue. Men’s violence against women refers to “all kinds of physical, mental, sexual violence, digital violence as well as threats of violence in personal relationships; honor-based violence and oppression, including child marriage, forced marriage and genital mutilation of girls and women; prostitution and trafficking for sexual purposes and sexual exploitation of children and the commercialization and exploitation of women’s bodies in commercials, media and pornography” (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023a).
A ten-year national strategy to end men’s violence against women was implemented in 2017 with four targets: extended and effective preventive work against violence, improved detection of violence and stronger protection for women and children who experience violence, efficient crime prevention, and better knowledge and methodologies. Further, the strategy aims to challenge former ideas concerning power and masculinity that justify violence and the buying of sexual services. It also focuses on combating prostitution and trafficking for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children, and honor-based violence and oppression (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023a).
After the 2022 election, the Riksdag consisted of 46% women, and the government and its administration have nearly achieved the 50-50 target. In municipalities, men are overrepresented on municipal boards, which are often led by men. About 22% of women in politics avoid certain issues due to exposure or anxiety, compared to 14% of men.
There is an increasing difference in young men and women’s attitudes toward equality. Young men are more likely to assert that society is equal and that women exaggerate inequality. Additionally, they are less likely to disagree with the statement that men are better political leaders and managers than women. Meanwhile, income disparities between men and women are widening. Between 2020 and 2021, the gap grew more significantly than it has for a long time. Women’s disposable income is generally 20% lower than men’s. This discrepancy is attributed to men owning more capital than women. Furthermore, women are more likely to be outside the labor market, work part-time and in low-wage occupations, use more parental leave, study longer, and have higher sickness absence rates than men (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2024).
Parental leave and paid parental leave are regulated by the Parental Leave Act (SFS 1995:584). In 2022, 54% of women and 46% of men received paid parental leave. There were 48.9 million paid parental leave days, with men using 30% of the days (Försäkringskassan, 2023).
During 2022, the cost of living and inflation increased significantly, raising food prices and disproportionately affecting women’s finances more than men’s. Single women with children and elderly women on a low fixed income were particularly impacted (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023c).
There are prevailing differences between girls and boys concerning school results, mental health, and the choice of education. Girls generally have better grades than boys but experience more anxiety (see section 9.3 on equal education). Women have worse health than men in several areas, including mental health. In 2022, 22% of women and 9% of men between the ages of 16 and 29 experienced anxiety. Women live longer than men but report worse health. The average life expectancy is steadily increasing for both men and women, but not at the same pace for women with low education. The goal for equal health targets physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health and includes preventive public health work, inputs to social services, support for people with disabilities, and healthcare and publicly financed care (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023d).
Citations:
Försäkringskassan. 2023. “Delas föräldrapennindagarna jämställt?” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/statistik-och-analys/barn-och-familj/statistik-inom-omradet-barn-och-familj—foraldrapenning/delas-foraldrapenningdagarna-jamstallt
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023a. “Mäns våld mot kvinnor.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/mans-vald-mot-kvinnor/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023b. “Stöd och samordning av jämställdhetsarbete.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/om-jamstalldhetsmyndigheten/stod-och-samordning/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023c. “Delmål 2: Ekonomisk jämställdhet.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-2-ekonomisk-jamstalldhet/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023d. “Delmål 5: Jämställd hälsa.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-5-jamstalld-halsa/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2024. “Delmål 1: Jämn fördelning av makt och inflytande.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-1-jamn-fordelning-av-makt-och-inflytande/
SFS. 1995. Föräldraledighetslag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/foraldraledighetslag-1995584_sfs-1995-584
SCB. 2021. “Metadatadokumentation: Indikatorer för uppföljning av jämställdhet.” https://www.scb.se/globalassets/temaomraden/jamstalldhet/indikatorernas-framstallning-och-kvalitet—jamstalldhet.pdf
Men’s violence against women is a poignant equality issue. Men’s violence against women refers to “all kinds of physical, mental, sexual violence, digital violence as well as threats of violence in personal relationships; honor-based violence and oppression, including child marriage, forced marriage and genital mutilation of girls and women; prostitution and trafficking for sexual purposes and sexual exploitation of children and the commercialization and exploitation of women’s bodies in commercials, media and pornography” (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023a).
A ten-year national strategy to end men’s violence against women was implemented in 2017 with four targets: extended and effective preventive work against violence, improved detection of violence and stronger protection for women and children who experience violence, efficient crime prevention, and better knowledge and methodologies. Further, the strategy aims to challenge former ideas concerning power and masculinity that justify violence and the buying of sexual services. It also focuses on combating prostitution and trafficking for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children, and honor-based violence and oppression (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023a).
After the 2022 election, the Riksdag consisted of 46% women, and the government and its administration have nearly achieved the 50-50 target. In municipalities, men are overrepresented on municipal boards, which are often led by men. About 22% of women in politics avoid certain issues due to exposure or anxiety, compared to 14% of men.
There is an increasing difference in young men and women’s attitudes toward equality. Young men are more likely to assert that society is equal and that women exaggerate inequality. Additionally, they are less likely to disagree with the statement that men are better political leaders and managers than women. Meanwhile, income disparities between men and women are widening. Between 2020 and 2021, the gap grew more significantly than it has for a long time. Women’s disposable income is generally 20% lower than men’s. This discrepancy is attributed to men owning more capital than women. Furthermore, women are more likely to be outside the labor market, work part-time and in low-wage occupations, use more parental leave, study longer, and have higher sickness absence rates than men (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2024).
Parental leave and paid parental leave are regulated by the Parental Leave Act (SFS 1995:584). In 2022, 54% of women and 46% of men received paid parental leave. There were 48.9 million paid parental leave days, with men using 30% of the days (Försäkringskassan, 2023).
During 2022, the cost of living and inflation increased significantly, raising food prices and disproportionately affecting women’s finances more than men’s. Single women with children and elderly women on a low fixed income were particularly impacted (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023c).
There are prevailing differences between girls and boys concerning school results, mental health, and the choice of education. Girls generally have better grades than boys but experience more anxiety (see section 9.3 on equal education). Women have worse health than men in several areas, including mental health. In 2022, 22% of women and 9% of men between the ages of 16 and 29 experienced anxiety. Women live longer than men but report worse health. The average life expectancy is steadily increasing for both men and women, but not at the same pace for women with low education. The goal for equal health targets physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health and includes preventive public health work, inputs to social services, support for people with disabilities, and healthcare and publicly financed care (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2023d).
Citations:
Försäkringskassan. 2023. “Delas föräldrapennindagarna jämställt?” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/statistik-och-analys/barn-och-familj/statistik-inom-omradet-barn-och-familj—foraldrapenning/delas-foraldrapenningdagarna-jamstallt
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023a. “Mäns våld mot kvinnor.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/mans-vald-mot-kvinnor/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023b. “Stöd och samordning av jämställdhetsarbete.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/om-jamstalldhetsmyndigheten/stod-och-samordning/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023c. “Delmål 2: Ekonomisk jämställdhet.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-2-ekonomisk-jamstalldhet/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2023d. “Delmål 5: Jämställd hälsa.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-5-jamstalld-halsa/
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2024. “Delmål 1: Jämn fördelning av makt och inflytande.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/jamstalldhet-i-sverige/delmal-1-jamn-fordelning-av-makt-och-inflytande/
SFS. 1995. Föräldraledighetslag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/foraldraledighetslag-1995584_sfs-1995-584
SCB. 2021. “Metadatadokumentation: Indikatorer för uppföljning av jämställdhet.” https://www.scb.se/globalassets/temaomraden/jamstalldhet/indikatorernas-framstallning-och-kvalitet—jamstalldhet.pdf
Graph View
To what extent does the current family policy approach support or hinder unpaid family care work?
10
9
9
Family policies are fully aligned with the goal of creating the conditions for strong families.
8
7
6
7
6
Family policies are largely aligned with the goal of creating the conditions for strong families.
5
4
3
4
3
Family policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of creating the conditions for strong families.
2
1
1
Family policies are not at all aligned with the goal of creating family-friendly conditions.
Sweden has a long tradition of public policies supporting families. The main pillars of these policies are extensive childcare benefits and family support measures. These are regulated by the Parental Leave Act (SFS: 1995, 584). Mothers are entitled to at least seven weeks of maternity leave before their due date and seven weeks after the child’s birth. Two of these weeks before and after delivery are mandatory. Employees also have the right to maternity leave for breastfeeding. The other parent or carer is entitled to ten days of paid leave for a child’s birth or adoption. In 2022, the parental leave benefit was 77.6% of the individual’s full salary. Additionally, a parent has the right to fully paid or unpaid parental leave until the child is 18 months old.
Each parent has the right to 240 paid days of leave. The first 195 days are paid at 77.6% of the individual’s salary, and the subsequent 45 days are paid SEK 180 (approximately €16) each day. Of these days, 90 are reserved for each parent and cannot be transferred to the other parent, except in special cases and in single-parent families (Duvander & Löfgren, 2023). It is illegal to disadvantage an employee or job seeker due to reasons related to parental leave (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2022).
The fact that these social benefits are generational rather than means-based and are coupled with institutionalized parental leave for fathers contributes to employers not discriminating against job seekers who are women of childbearing age or have small children.
The family support system also provides paid leave to care for sick children and relatives. This regulation generally covers children between 8 and 12 years old, and a doctor’s note is required for a leave longer than seven days. Employees have the right to care for a close relative or friend with a significant health impairment for up to 100 days. Compensation amounts to approximately 80% of the individual’s salary (Försäkringskassan, 2023a; Försäkringskassan, 2023b).
Day care is provided to children after their first birthday, a service that is a municipal competence (SFS 2010:800). After the age of three, all children have the right to free public preschool for up to 525 hours per year (Skolverket, 2024). The state provides a child subsidy for each child living in the country (SFS 1947, 529). Families may also be eligible for further financial support depending on income or if the parents are students.
Despite these policy efforts, Sweden currently scores just above the OECD average in terms of the child poverty rate. In 2022, 10% of children experienced poverty, and 20% were at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Citations:
Duvander, A-Z., and Löfgren, N. 2023. “Sweden country note.” In Blum, S., Dobroti´c, I., Kaufman, G., Koslowski, A., and Moss, P., eds., International Review of Leave Policies and Research 2023. https://www.leavenetwork.org/fileadmin/user_upload/k_leavenetwork/annual_reviews/2023/Sweden2023.pdf
Försäkringskassan. 2023a. “Närståendepenning för anställda.” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/sjuk/anstalld/narstaendepenning-for-anstallda
Försäkringskassan. 2023b. “Vård av barn (vab).” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/foralder/vard-av-barn-vab
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2022. “Föräldraledighetslagen.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/fakta-om-jamstalldhet/foraldraledighetslagen/
SFS. 1995. Föräldraledighetslag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/foraldraledighetslag-1995584_sfs-1995-584
SFS. 2010. Skollag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/skollag-2010800_sfs-2010-800/#K8
SFS. 1948. Lag om allmänna barnbidrag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-1947529-om-allmanna-barnbidrag_sfs-1947-529
SFS. 1996. Lag om underhållsstöd. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-19961030-om-underhallsstod_sfs-1996-1030
Skolverket. 2024. “Rätt till förskola.” https://www.skolverket.se/regler-och-ansvar/ansvar-i-skolfragor/ratt-till-forskola
Each parent has the right to 240 paid days of leave. The first 195 days are paid at 77.6% of the individual’s salary, and the subsequent 45 days are paid SEK 180 (approximately €16) each day. Of these days, 90 are reserved for each parent and cannot be transferred to the other parent, except in special cases and in single-parent families (Duvander & Löfgren, 2023). It is illegal to disadvantage an employee or job seeker due to reasons related to parental leave (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten, 2022).
The fact that these social benefits are generational rather than means-based and are coupled with institutionalized parental leave for fathers contributes to employers not discriminating against job seekers who are women of childbearing age or have small children.
The family support system also provides paid leave to care for sick children and relatives. This regulation generally covers children between 8 and 12 years old, and a doctor’s note is required for a leave longer than seven days. Employees have the right to care for a close relative or friend with a significant health impairment for up to 100 days. Compensation amounts to approximately 80% of the individual’s salary (Försäkringskassan, 2023a; Försäkringskassan, 2023b).
Day care is provided to children after their first birthday, a service that is a municipal competence (SFS 2010:800). After the age of three, all children have the right to free public preschool for up to 525 hours per year (Skolverket, 2024). The state provides a child subsidy for each child living in the country (SFS 1947, 529). Families may also be eligible for further financial support depending on income or if the parents are students.
Despite these policy efforts, Sweden currently scores just above the OECD average in terms of the child poverty rate. In 2022, 10% of children experienced poverty, and 20% were at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Citations:
Duvander, A-Z., and Löfgren, N. 2023. “Sweden country note.” In Blum, S., Dobroti´c, I., Kaufman, G., Koslowski, A., and Moss, P., eds., International Review of Leave Policies and Research 2023. https://www.leavenetwork.org/fileadmin/user_upload/k_leavenetwork/annual_reviews/2023/Sweden2023.pdf
Försäkringskassan. 2023a. “Närståendepenning för anställda.” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/sjuk/anstalld/narstaendepenning-for-anstallda
Försäkringskassan. 2023b. “Vård av barn (vab).” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/foralder/vard-av-barn-vab
Jämställdhetsmyndigheten. 2022. “Föräldraledighetslagen.” https://jamstalldhetsmyndigheten.se/fakta-om-jamstalldhet/foraldraledighetslagen/
SFS. 1995. Föräldraledighetslag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/foraldraledighetslag-1995584_sfs-1995-584
SFS. 2010. Skollag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/skollag-2010800_sfs-2010-800/#K8
SFS. 1948. Lag om allmänna barnbidrag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-1947529-om-allmanna-barnbidrag_sfs-1947-529
SFS. 1996. Lag om underhållsstöd. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-19961030-om-underhallsstod_sfs-1996-1030
Skolverket. 2024. “Rätt till förskola.” https://www.skolverket.se/regler-och-ansvar/ansvar-i-skolfragor/ratt-till-forskola
Graph View
To what extent does the current pension policy approach prevent poverty among senior citizens?
10
9
9
Pension policies are fully aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
8
7
6
7
6
Pension policies are largely aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
5
4
3
4
3
Pension policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
2
1
1
Pension policies are not at all aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
The Swedish pension system consists of three components: a national public pension provided by the state, an occupational pension, and private savings or assets. The national public pension is based on a person’s total income from their working life in Sweden. For those with low or no pension, a Guarantee Pension is available, designed to provide basic protection. Financial support for the elderly is also available to individuals with very low income in retirement. This support depends on the individual’s income and housing costs to ensure a fair standard of living (Pensionsmyndigheten, 2024).
The pension system has been a focal point in political debates in recent years, and the Swedish Pensions Agency has published several evaluations. The gender gap in the national public pension system is 20%, generally a consequence of women’s lower earnings in the labor market. The difference in disposable income between genders is nearly 30%, a gap that has persisted since the 1990s. With the current pension system, it would take 40 to 50 years before pensions are fully equalized, even if incomes were equal. Policy efforts aim to narrow the pension gap; however, there are debates on whether gender gaps should be prioritized ahead of the gap between other income groups. This raises the question of whether the pension system needs reform and whether life income should be the basis for calculating pensions (Kirs & Johannisson, 2022).
In 2023, the earliest retirement age increased from 62 to 63 years. As life expectancy rises, there are further official plans to raise pension ages. Policy efforts to strengthen the pension system were implemented, and the targeted pension benefit increased by 12% in 2022. In 2023, the Guarantee Pension was removed for those residing outside Sweden (OECD, 2024), pointing to a trend of cost-cutting measures by the Swedish Pensions Agency.
Citations:
Kirs, K. and Johannisson, I. 2022. Kan pensionerna bli mer jämställda? Faktaserie om pensionerna. Rapport 4. Stockholm: Pensionsmyndigheten.
OECD. 2023. Pensions at a Glance 2023: OECD and G20 Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/678055dd-en
Pensionsmyndigheten. 2024. “Äldreförsörjningsstöd.” https://www.pensionsmyndigheten.se/for-pensionarer/ekonomiskt-stod/ansok-om-aldreforsorjningsstod
The pension system has been a focal point in political debates in recent years, and the Swedish Pensions Agency has published several evaluations. The gender gap in the national public pension system is 20%, generally a consequence of women’s lower earnings in the labor market. The difference in disposable income between genders is nearly 30%, a gap that has persisted since the 1990s. With the current pension system, it would take 40 to 50 years before pensions are fully equalized, even if incomes were equal. Policy efforts aim to narrow the pension gap; however, there are debates on whether gender gaps should be prioritized ahead of the gap between other income groups. This raises the question of whether the pension system needs reform and whether life income should be the basis for calculating pensions (Kirs & Johannisson, 2022).
In 2023, the earliest retirement age increased from 62 to 63 years. As life expectancy rises, there are further official plans to raise pension ages. Policy efforts to strengthen the pension system were implemented, and the targeted pension benefit increased by 12% in 2022. In 2023, the Guarantee Pension was removed for those residing outside Sweden (OECD, 2024), pointing to a trend of cost-cutting measures by the Swedish Pensions Agency.
Citations:
Kirs, K. and Johannisson, I. 2022. Kan pensionerna bli mer jämställda? Faktaserie om pensionerna. Rapport 4. Stockholm: Pensionsmyndigheten.
OECD. 2023. Pensions at a Glance 2023: OECD and G20 Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/678055dd-en
Pensionsmyndigheten. 2024. “Äldreförsörjningsstöd.” https://www.pensionsmyndigheten.se/for-pensionarer/ekonomiskt-stod/ansok-om-aldreforsorjningsstod
To what extent does the current pension policy approach hinder or promote intergenerational equity?
10
9
9
Pension policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
8
7
6
7
6
Pension policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
5
4
3
4
3
Pension policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
2
1
1
Pension policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
The pension system is designed to encourage people to work longer. As with most national pension schemes, the longer a person waits to draw their pension, the higher their monthly benefits. However, people with low enough incomes to qualify for the minimum Guarantee Pension might not benefit from postponing their pension benefits (Pensionsmyndigheten, 2024).
Further incentives to keep working have been implemented in recent years, such as a tax rate reduction for the elderly population’s disposable income in 2021. In 2022, a tax allowance for people over 66 years of age was expanded (OECD, 2023). If a person has to exit the labor market before age 62 due to health reasons, they can apply for disability benefits at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. If the person has been part of the labor market, these benefits are at 64.7% of their mean income from their last year in the workforce, with a ceiling of 23,171 SEK before tax monthly (approximately €2,070). Those with low or no previous income receive minimum compensation. Although the amount fluctuates with age, those over 30 years old receive 13,275 SEK before tax monthly (approximately €1,185) (Försäkringskassan, 2023).
To address the challenges posed by rising life expectancy in Sweden, the retirement age is continuously being adjusted. In 2023, the minimum age to draw a pension was raised from 62 to 63. The age for the Guarantee Pension increased from 65 to 66, and the right to remain employed was extended from 68 to 69. The official retirement age for the years 2026 – 2029 is set at 67 (Regeringskansliet, 2023).
Citations:
Försäkringskassan. 2023. “Sjukersättning.” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/sjuk/funktionsnedsattning-eller-langvarig-sjukdom/sjukersattning
OECD. 2023. Pensions at a Glance 2023: OECD and G20 Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/678055dd-en
Pensionsmyndigheten. 2024. “Jobba längre ger högre pension.” https://www.pensionsmyndigheten.se/ga-i-pension/planera-din-pension/pensionalderns-betydelse
Regeringskansliet. 2023. “Riktålder för pension för år 2029 beslutad.” https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2023/05/riktalder-for-pension-for-ar-2029-beslutad/
Further incentives to keep working have been implemented in recent years, such as a tax rate reduction for the elderly population’s disposable income in 2021. In 2022, a tax allowance for people over 66 years of age was expanded (OECD, 2023). If a person has to exit the labor market before age 62 due to health reasons, they can apply for disability benefits at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. If the person has been part of the labor market, these benefits are at 64.7% of their mean income from their last year in the workforce, with a ceiling of 23,171 SEK before tax monthly (approximately €2,070). Those with low or no previous income receive minimum compensation. Although the amount fluctuates with age, those over 30 years old receive 13,275 SEK before tax monthly (approximately €1,185) (Försäkringskassan, 2023).
To address the challenges posed by rising life expectancy in Sweden, the retirement age is continuously being adjusted. In 2023, the minimum age to draw a pension was raised from 62 to 63. The age for the Guarantee Pension increased from 65 to 66, and the right to remain employed was extended from 68 to 69. The official retirement age for the years 2026 – 2029 is set at 67 (Regeringskansliet, 2023).
Citations:
Försäkringskassan. 2023. “Sjukersättning.” https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/sjuk/funktionsnedsattning-eller-langvarig-sjukdom/sjukersattning
OECD. 2023. Pensions at a Glance 2023: OECD and G20 Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/678055dd-en
Pensionsmyndigheten. 2024. “Jobba längre ger högre pension.” https://www.pensionsmyndigheten.se/ga-i-pension/planera-din-pension/pensionalderns-betydelse
Regeringskansliet. 2023. “Riktålder för pension för år 2029 beslutad.” https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2023/05/riktalder-for-pension-for-ar-2029-beslutad/
Graph View
To what extent does the current policy approach hinder or facilitate the inclusion of migrants into society and the labor market?
10
9
9
Integration policies are fully aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
8
7
6
7
6
Integration policies are largely aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
5
4
3
4
3
Integration policies are only somewhat aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
2
1
1
Integration policies are not at all aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
The Swedish Migration Agency is the lead unit responsible for migration policy, but the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, municipalities, regions, county boards, the government, and the SKR (The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) are also part of these operations.
In recent years, Sweden’s immigrant policies have become far less permissive than they were in the past. After the 2022 election, the new center-right minority government, with decisive support from the radical right-wing party Sweden Democrats, has made migration and integration a prioritized policy area and agreed on a reform of the current immigration system.
The goals of current migration policy under the new coalition government (described as a paradigm shift) are to stem the influx of migration by restricting asylum, emphasizing that immigrant populations become part of the culturally and ethnically understood Swedish society, clearing the so-called shadow society – a term describing a hidden world of organized crime – and especially facilitating the migration of a highly educated and trained workforce.
To meet these targets, the government has agreed on controversial policies such as increased surveillance, checks for undocumented immigrants, and intensified efforts to deport people who do not qualify to stay in Sweden. Additionally, a lower rate of quota refugees (900 per year instead of 5,000 per year) was implemented, zones in which the police have the right to search and frisk were introduced, and participation in criminal gangs was further criminalized (Tidöavtalet, 2022; Regeringskansliet, 2023).
Currently, to obtain Swedish citizenship, adults must be over 18 years old, be able to prove their identity, have lived an “orderly” life in Sweden, and have a permanent residence permit, a right to residency, or a residence status. In 2020, Sweden ranked 83rd in access to nationality – this corresponds to the seventh best rank worldwide – and the process was evaluated as straightforward (Mipex, 2020). Taking into account all policy indicators used in a comparison of integration policies in 56 countries for 2020, Sweden ranks first.
The political bargaining driven by the radical right Sweden Democrats during the agreement that led to government formation following the 2022 election has resulted in the gradual tightening of rules for obtaining citizenship. Upcoming changes include a longer residence requirement of at least eight years, stricter requirements regarding knowledge of and integration into Swedish society and culture, a requirement to be self-supporting, stricter demands for a lack of criminal records, and even a loyalty declaration, citizenship conversation, or another mandatory ceremony to complete the process of becoming a citizen. Further provisions include revoking the citizenship of individuals with dual citizenship who have committed serious crimes or whose citizenship was granted on false grounds (Tidöavtalet, 2022).
Policies governing the migration of family members are considered strict due to economic resource requirements, which imply that the person residing in Sweden must be able to financially support themselves and their family members. This requirement, however, does not apply to refugees if the family applies for residence permits within three months (Mipex, 2020). The new government has agreed that the right to family reunification will not be more generous than the regulated minimum levels and is investigating the possibility of transforming existing permanent residence permits in the interest of a restrictive asylum policy (Tidöavtalet, 2022).
The official governmental goals for integration are “equal rights, obligations, and opportunities for all regardless of ethnic or cultural background” (Regeringskansliet, 2017). To measure these target values, Statistics Sweden uses the following indicators: occupation, health, housing, demography, municipal recipients, income, and education (SCB, 2023). Despite stricter policies on migration, Sweden was ranked second in labor market mobility and sixth in political participation in 2020 (Mipex, 2020). Sweden, along with other Nordic countries, has the most inclusive voting rights in the EU. In terms of labor market access, people born in foreign countries are more often unemployed and underemployed compared to Swedish-born individuals. Labor market accessibility varies between groups of immigrants – men generally secure a first stable job faster than women, and there is variation based on country of origin. Individuals born outside of Europe have lower salaries and receive more financial support, but these differences decrease after a period of time in Sweden (IFAU, 2022).
An obstacle to obtaining a job and accessing the labor market is the lack of language skills. In 2021, 8.17% of the foreign-born population experienced such difficulties, compared to the OECD average of 8% (OECD Output Indicators). Language courses (SFI, Swedish for immigrants) are offered according to the regulation (SFS 1994:895) on Swedish education for immigrants for those in need of basic knowledge in Swedish. These courses are available to individuals over 16 years who reside in Sweden. Students have the right to at least 15 hours of SFI per week (Skolverket, 2023a). Since 2022, Sweden’s municipalities are required to provide a cohesive program within adult education as part of establishment programs for participants in labor market programs or initiatives. This cohesive program should cover at least 23 hours per week and include SFI, courses at the elementary or high-school level, and follow a municipality-decided plan that outlines the training goals, organization, and main content (Skolverket, 2023b).
In summary, problems with the integration of foreign-born populations in Swedish society persist, and the response from the current right-wing alliance – under the direct influence of the radical right-wing Swedish Democrats – is to restrict immigration. Uneven integration of immigrant populations has led to sensational news stories about no-go zones in big cities and gang violence. At least in the labor market, even though income disparities exist between people born in Sweden and foreign-born people, such differentials tend to decrease over time.
Citations:
IFAU – Institutet för arbetsmarknads- och Utbildningspolitisk Utvärdering. 2022. “Utrikes föddas etablering på arbetsmarknaden.” https://www.ifau.se/Press/Forskningssammanfattningar/Utrikes-foddas-eta-pa-arbetsmarknaden-
Migrationsverket. 2023. “Familjeåterförening.” https://www.migrationsverket.se/Privatpersoner/Skydd-och-asyl-i-Sverige/Efter-beslut/Om-du-far-stanna/Familjeaterforening.html
Mipex. 2020. “Sweden.” https://www.mipex.eu/sweden
Regeringskansliet. 2023. “Regeringens första 100 dagar: Migration.” https://www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2023/01/regeringens-forsta-100-dagar-migration/
Regeringskansliet. 2017. “Mål för integration.” https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/integration/mal-for-integration/
SCB – Statistiska centralbyrån. 2023. “Integration – Statistik och analys.” https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/levnadsforhallanden/levnadsforhallanden/integration–analys/
Förordning om svenskundervisning för invandrare. 1994. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-1994895-om-svenskundervisning-for_sfs-1994-895
Skolverket. 2023a. “SFI - Svenska för invandrare.” https://utbildningsguiden.skolverket.se/languages/svenska/sfi
Skolverket. 2023b. “Sammanhållen utbildning för nyanlända vuxna.” https://www.skolverket.se/skolutveckling/leda-och-organisera-skolan/nyanlandas-utbildning/utbildning-for-nyanlanda-vuxna/sammanhallen-utbildning-for-nyanlanda-vuxna
Tidöavtalet. 2022. Tidöavtalet: Överenskommelse för Sverige, Moderaterna, Kristdemokraterna, Liberalerna och Sverigedemokraterna. https://www.liberalerna.se/wp-content/uploads/tidoavtalet-overenskommelse-for-sverige-slutlig.pdf
In recent years, Sweden’s immigrant policies have become far less permissive than they were in the past. After the 2022 election, the new center-right minority government, with decisive support from the radical right-wing party Sweden Democrats, has made migration and integration a prioritized policy area and agreed on a reform of the current immigration system.
The goals of current migration policy under the new coalition government (described as a paradigm shift) are to stem the influx of migration by restricting asylum, emphasizing that immigrant populations become part of the culturally and ethnically understood Swedish society, clearing the so-called shadow society – a term describing a hidden world of organized crime – and especially facilitating the migration of a highly educated and trained workforce.
To meet these targets, the government has agreed on controversial policies such as increased surveillance, checks for undocumented immigrants, and intensified efforts to deport people who do not qualify to stay in Sweden. Additionally, a lower rate of quota refugees (900 per year instead of 5,000 per year) was implemented, zones in which the police have the right to search and frisk were introduced, and participation in criminal gangs was further criminalized (Tidöavtalet, 2022; Regeringskansliet, 2023).
Currently, to obtain Swedish citizenship, adults must be over 18 years old, be able to prove their identity, have lived an “orderly” life in Sweden, and have a permanent residence permit, a right to residency, or a residence status. In 2020, Sweden ranked 83rd in access to nationality – this corresponds to the seventh best rank worldwide – and the process was evaluated as straightforward (Mipex, 2020). Taking into account all policy indicators used in a comparison of integration policies in 56 countries for 2020, Sweden ranks first.
The political bargaining driven by the radical right Sweden Democrats during the agreement that led to government formation following the 2022 election has resulted in the gradual tightening of rules for obtaining citizenship. Upcoming changes include a longer residence requirement of at least eight years, stricter requirements regarding knowledge of and integration into Swedish society and culture, a requirement to be self-supporting, stricter demands for a lack of criminal records, and even a loyalty declaration, citizenship conversation, or another mandatory ceremony to complete the process of becoming a citizen. Further provisions include revoking the citizenship of individuals with dual citizenship who have committed serious crimes or whose citizenship was granted on false grounds (Tidöavtalet, 2022).
Policies governing the migration of family members are considered strict due to economic resource requirements, which imply that the person residing in Sweden must be able to financially support themselves and their family members. This requirement, however, does not apply to refugees if the family applies for residence permits within three months (Mipex, 2020). The new government has agreed that the right to family reunification will not be more generous than the regulated minimum levels and is investigating the possibility of transforming existing permanent residence permits in the interest of a restrictive asylum policy (Tidöavtalet, 2022).
The official governmental goals for integration are “equal rights, obligations, and opportunities for all regardless of ethnic or cultural background” (Regeringskansliet, 2017). To measure these target values, Statistics Sweden uses the following indicators: occupation, health, housing, demography, municipal recipients, income, and education (SCB, 2023). Despite stricter policies on migration, Sweden was ranked second in labor market mobility and sixth in political participation in 2020 (Mipex, 2020). Sweden, along with other Nordic countries, has the most inclusive voting rights in the EU. In terms of labor market access, people born in foreign countries are more often unemployed and underemployed compared to Swedish-born individuals. Labor market accessibility varies between groups of immigrants – men generally secure a first stable job faster than women, and there is variation based on country of origin. Individuals born outside of Europe have lower salaries and receive more financial support, but these differences decrease after a period of time in Sweden (IFAU, 2022).
An obstacle to obtaining a job and accessing the labor market is the lack of language skills. In 2021, 8.17% of the foreign-born population experienced such difficulties, compared to the OECD average of 8% (OECD Output Indicators). Language courses (SFI, Swedish for immigrants) are offered according to the regulation (SFS 1994:895) on Swedish education for immigrants for those in need of basic knowledge in Swedish. These courses are available to individuals over 16 years who reside in Sweden. Students have the right to at least 15 hours of SFI per week (Skolverket, 2023a). Since 2022, Sweden’s municipalities are required to provide a cohesive program within adult education as part of establishment programs for participants in labor market programs or initiatives. This cohesive program should cover at least 23 hours per week and include SFI, courses at the elementary or high-school level, and follow a municipality-decided plan that outlines the training goals, organization, and main content (Skolverket, 2023b).
In summary, problems with the integration of foreign-born populations in Swedish society persist, and the response from the current right-wing alliance – under the direct influence of the radical right-wing Swedish Democrats – is to restrict immigration. Uneven integration of immigrant populations has led to sensational news stories about no-go zones in big cities and gang violence. At least in the labor market, even though income disparities exist between people born in Sweden and foreign-born people, such differentials tend to decrease over time.
Citations:
IFAU – Institutet för arbetsmarknads- och Utbildningspolitisk Utvärdering. 2022. “Utrikes föddas etablering på arbetsmarknaden.” https://www.ifau.se/Press/Forskningssammanfattningar/Utrikes-foddas-eta-pa-arbetsmarknaden-
Migrationsverket. 2023. “Familjeåterförening.” https://www.migrationsverket.se/Privatpersoner/Skydd-och-asyl-i-Sverige/Efter-beslut/Om-du-far-stanna/Familjeaterforening.html
Mipex. 2020. “Sweden.” https://www.mipex.eu/sweden
Regeringskansliet. 2023. “Regeringens första 100 dagar: Migration.” https://www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2023/01/regeringens-forsta-100-dagar-migration/
Regeringskansliet. 2017. “Mål för integration.” https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/integration/mal-for-integration/
SCB – Statistiska centralbyrån. 2023. “Integration – Statistik och analys.” https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/levnadsforhallanden/levnadsforhallanden/integration–analys/
Förordning om svenskundervisning för invandrare. 1994. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-1994895-om-svenskundervisning-for_sfs-1994-895
Skolverket. 2023a. “SFI - Svenska för invandrare.” https://utbildningsguiden.skolverket.se/languages/svenska/sfi
Skolverket. 2023b. “Sammanhållen utbildning för nyanlända vuxna.” https://www.skolverket.se/skolutveckling/leda-och-organisera-skolan/nyanlandas-utbildning/utbildning-for-nyanlanda-vuxna/sammanhallen-utbildning-for-nyanlanda-vuxna
Tidöavtalet. 2022. Tidöavtalet: Överenskommelse för Sverige, Moderaterna, Kristdemokraterna, Liberalerna och Sverigedemokraterna. https://www.liberalerna.se/wp-content/uploads/tidoavtalet-overenskommelse-for-sverige-slutlig.pdf
Graph View
How committed is the government to helping build the capacity to reduce poverty and provide social protection in low- and middle-income countries?
10
9
9
The government’s development cooperation strategy is fully aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building for poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
8
7
6
7
6
The government’s development cooperation strategy is largely aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building for poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
5
4
3
4
3
The government’s development cooperation strategy is only somewhat aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building in poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
2
1
1
The government’s development cooperation strategy is not all aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building for poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
Sweden has traditionally been at the forefront of international aid and development. The center-right minority coalition government elected in 2022 has reformed Sweden’s international aid policies. Development strategies now guide goals for international aid and focus on long-term planning, transparency, and efficiency. This shift in strategy reflects the ideological tenets of the right-wing government as well as the changing geopolitics following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The strategy centers on fighting poverty through job creation and free trade, increasing humanitarian support to save lives and minimize poverty, encouraging freedom and fighting oppression, and strengthening the connection between aid and migration policies. Additionally, it includes increasing efficient climate aid, empowering women and girls, and improving health and education for the most vulnerable. In the new strategy, Sweden is prioritizing Ukraine and the adjacent area (Utrikesdepartementet, 2023).
There are two kinds of aid: development cooperation and humanitarian aid. These are implemented through bilateral, regional, and thematic strategies. The strategies cover five years; the results are evaluated annually and reported to the government and the Riksdag. The results are measured in different ways depending on the methods and outcomes being evaluated, but there is no mention of clearly defined indicators to measure results.
However, the thematic areas guiding international aid include democracy, human rights and freedom of speech, peaceful and inclusive societies, health, sustainable oceans and water, climate and environment, migration and development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, research and innovation, trade, sustainable energy, equality, farming and secured food supply, private sector, occupation, and water and sanitation (Sida, 2023a).
The strategies are produced by zhe Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) based on instructions from the government, in relation to learning outcomes from previous strategies and in dialogue with cooperative organizations. The final strategy is decided on by the government (Sida, 2024).
Sida’s work is integral to Sweden’s national politics for global development and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To ensure that development cooperation aligns with efforts to reduce poverty, Sida has constructed a “poverty toolbox” containing materials and methods to analyze multidimensional poverty. Sida has identified four dimensions of multidimensional poverty: lack of resources, lack of options, lack of power and influence, and lack of human safety. These dimensions are analyzed through political and institutional contexts, economic and social contexts, environmental contexts, and conflict contexts (Sida, 2023b). The dimensions of poverty serve as the foundation for Sida’s work to reduce poverty and enhance development cooperation efficiency. Further efforts to ensure effective poverty reduction and combat corruption are implemented through project evaluations and multilevel controls of international aid.
Sida advocates for equal healthcare and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all individuals. Sweden’s international aid targeting healthcare provides more people with access to care, treats infectious diseases, and helps reduce child and maternal mortality. Sida supports SRHR by increasing women’s right to have an abortion, making SRH services available in healthcare, and banning female mutilation (Sida, 2023c; Sida, 2023d).
Research and innovation are among Sida’s thematic areas. Sida supports efforts to strengthen research capacity by developing national research systems and supporting national research in low-income countries. Additionally, it aids in building innovation systems to communicate research, access health, and implement energy-efficient innovations for agriculture. Furthermore, Sida supports research relevant to low-income countries, including studies on various diseases and vaccines, agricultural methods, nature conservation, culture, community building, and climate adaptation (Sida, 2022).
In 2020, a new digitalization support initiative was implemented to help low-income countries build digital social services and reduce poverty. The support is directed to the World Bank’s digital fund DDP and the organization Dial. The DDP supports countries in various ways, for example, by making the internet accessible for the entire population, improving citizens’ digital skills to access digital services, and aiding governments in developing the digital infrastructure needed to provide social services. Dial (Digital Impact Alliance) is an independent organization that works to strengthen digitalization in several ways, such as identifying obstacles to efficient digital development and providing working methods and standards to overcome these obstacles (Sida, 2020).
Citations:
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2024. “Så styrs Sida.” https://www.sida.se/om-sida/sa-styrs-sida#block-15
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023a. “Tematiska områden.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023b. “Poverty Toolbox.” https://www.sida.se/partner-till-sida/metoder-och-material/poverty-toolbox
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023c. “Sidas arbete med hälsa.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/halsa
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023d. “Sidas arbete med sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa och rättigheter.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/sexuell-och-reproduktiv-halsa-och-rattigheter
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2020. “Nya digitaliseringsstöd ska minska fattigdomen.” https://www.sida.se/om-sida/presskontakter/pressmeddelande-och-pressinbjudningar/nya-digitaliseringsstod-ska-minska-fattigdomen
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2022. “Sidas arbete med forskning och innovation.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/forskning-och-innovation
Utrikesdepartementet – Regeringskansliet. 2023. Bistånd för en ny era: Frihet, egenmakt och hållbar tillväxt. Stockholm: Utrikesdepartementet.
There are two kinds of aid: development cooperation and humanitarian aid. These are implemented through bilateral, regional, and thematic strategies. The strategies cover five years; the results are evaluated annually and reported to the government and the Riksdag. The results are measured in different ways depending on the methods and outcomes being evaluated, but there is no mention of clearly defined indicators to measure results.
However, the thematic areas guiding international aid include democracy, human rights and freedom of speech, peaceful and inclusive societies, health, sustainable oceans and water, climate and environment, migration and development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, research and innovation, trade, sustainable energy, equality, farming and secured food supply, private sector, occupation, and water and sanitation (Sida, 2023a).
The strategies are produced by zhe Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) based on instructions from the government, in relation to learning outcomes from previous strategies and in dialogue with cooperative organizations. The final strategy is decided on by the government (Sida, 2024).
Sida’s work is integral to Sweden’s national politics for global development and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To ensure that development cooperation aligns with efforts to reduce poverty, Sida has constructed a “poverty toolbox” containing materials and methods to analyze multidimensional poverty. Sida has identified four dimensions of multidimensional poverty: lack of resources, lack of options, lack of power and influence, and lack of human safety. These dimensions are analyzed through political and institutional contexts, economic and social contexts, environmental contexts, and conflict contexts (Sida, 2023b). The dimensions of poverty serve as the foundation for Sida’s work to reduce poverty and enhance development cooperation efficiency. Further efforts to ensure effective poverty reduction and combat corruption are implemented through project evaluations and multilevel controls of international aid.
Sida advocates for equal healthcare and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all individuals. Sweden’s international aid targeting healthcare provides more people with access to care, treats infectious diseases, and helps reduce child and maternal mortality. Sida supports SRHR by increasing women’s right to have an abortion, making SRH services available in healthcare, and banning female mutilation (Sida, 2023c; Sida, 2023d).
Research and innovation are among Sida’s thematic areas. Sida supports efforts to strengthen research capacity by developing national research systems and supporting national research in low-income countries. Additionally, it aids in building innovation systems to communicate research, access health, and implement energy-efficient innovations for agriculture. Furthermore, Sida supports research relevant to low-income countries, including studies on various diseases and vaccines, agricultural methods, nature conservation, culture, community building, and climate adaptation (Sida, 2022).
In 2020, a new digitalization support initiative was implemented to help low-income countries build digital social services and reduce poverty. The support is directed to the World Bank’s digital fund DDP and the organization Dial. The DDP supports countries in various ways, for example, by making the internet accessible for the entire population, improving citizens’ digital skills to access digital services, and aiding governments in developing the digital infrastructure needed to provide social services. Dial (Digital Impact Alliance) is an independent organization that works to strengthen digitalization in several ways, such as identifying obstacles to efficient digital development and providing working methods and standards to overcome these obstacles (Sida, 2020).
Citations:
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2024. “Så styrs Sida.” https://www.sida.se/om-sida/sa-styrs-sida#block-15
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023a. “Tematiska områden.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023b. “Poverty Toolbox.” https://www.sida.se/partner-till-sida/metoder-och-material/poverty-toolbox
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023c. “Sidas arbete med hälsa.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/halsa
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2023d. “Sidas arbete med sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa och rättigheter.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/sexuell-och-reproduktiv-halsa-och-rattigheter
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2020. “Nya digitaliseringsstöd ska minska fattigdomen.” https://www.sida.se/om-sida/presskontakter/pressmeddelande-och-pressinbjudningar/nya-digitaliseringsstod-ska-minska-fattigdomen
Sida – Sveriges Biståndsmyndighet. 2022. “Sidas arbete med forskning och innovation.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/forskning-och-innovation
Utrikesdepartementet – Regeringskansliet. 2023. Bistånd för en ny era: Frihet, egenmakt och hållbar tillväxt. Stockholm: Utrikesdepartementet.