The Social Democrats want to increase the opportunities for EU loans so that even member states with worse economic conditions can arm their defenses.
We have had a serious situation before, but it has deteriorated, says party leader Magdalena Andersson, referring to the talks between Russia and the US, among other things.
According to Andersson, the EU's defense capability must be improved.
It needs to happen at a rapid pace and all countries must do it – even those with worse conditions.
We want Sweden to open up for increased opportunities for loans via the EU so that countries can quickly arm and build their defenses and at the same time maintain support for Ukraine.
Changed budget rules
The Social Democrats are also open to revising the EU's budget rules in the Stability and Growth Pact, which aims to ensure sound public finances, to facilitate investment in defense for countries with weak state finances.
The Center Party also wants the EU to be able to borrow money for European defense investments, as well as for support to Ukraine. The party also wants money from the EU's budget to be used for the same purpose.
The government has so far said no to the EU borrowing money for defense investments. The Center Party is now urging the government to change its stance.
When the world around us is changing so rapidly and sharply, we must take responsibility for a new reality, says Muharrem Demirok.
The Green Party also supports the rest of the opposition on the issue of loans:
"The Green Party is open to joint EU loans being required to support Ukraine and build up Europe's defense capabilities," the party writes in a comment.
Far down on the list
Vänsterpartiet's economic policy spokesperson Ida Gabrielsson writes in a comment to TT that V, considering the security policy situation, is willing to review all proposals that can make Europe safer.
"The regulatory framework that the EU has makes it difficult for member states to make large public investments, such as defense. We have long wanted to change that and we now welcome that the Social Democrats are also open to it," she writes.
But no change in the government's stance on the issue is in sight, according to Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M).
- Taking joint loans is far down on my list. You shouldn't rule anything out, but fundamentally, it will mean that Swedish taxpayers will have to pay a higher share than many others need to do, she says during a question period in parliament.
