Sweden to launch new foreign intelligence agency by year-end

Sweden’s government plans to establish a new civilian foreign intelligence service by the end of the year, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (Moderate Party) announced Tuesday, citing urgent security needs in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

The agency, named Sveriges utrikes underrättelsetjänst (Foreign Intelligence Service of Sweden, abbreviated Und), will operate alongside military intelligence, taking over some of its current responsibilities while working closely with the Armed Forces, the National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA), and the security service Säpo, according to the minister.

“The serious security situation demands that we rapidly strengthen Sweden’s overall intelligence capabilities,” Malmer Stenergard said in a statement to public broadcaster SVT. She added that the new structure would clarify roles and ensure broader coverage of threats, with some overlap in tasks viewed as beneficial rather than problematic.

The government has submitted a legislative proposal for the required legal changes. Recruitment for the agency is already underway, with operations expected to begin at the turn of the year.

The proposal follows a June 2025 inquiry led by former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, which concluded that Sweden’s NATO membership, the deteriorating security environment, and technological advancements necessitated a dedicated civilian foreign intelligence capacity. Currently, the government relies primarily on military intelligence.

Critics, including the Armed Forces, argue the timeline is unrealistic and risks disrupting ongoing intelligence work and coordination. The government has moved forward despite the objections.