Security - Sweden
The radically changed security landscape in Europe forced a paradigm shift in Sweden’s security and foreign policy.
The Netherlands welcomes Sweden’s recent NATO accession and focuses on intensifying relations on defence and security.
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Both Sweden and the Netherlands have placed countering hybrid threats and strengthening economic resilience at the top of their agenda’s. In this changed security landscape, with accelerated technological developments, the threat of terrorism and a rise in hybrid conflicts, close bilateral and European cooperation is essential. The Netherlands and Sweden work together closely on a number of very important areas.
Defence cooperation
The Netherlands and Sweden have worked closely together in the past during missions, both on bilateral basis, with for example the Military Bloodbank in Mali, and within EU (anti-piracy) and UN-framework (MINUSMA in Mali).
Moreover, The Netherlands provides a staff-officer to the Nordic Center for Gender in Military Operations (NCGM). The NCGM is located at the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre (SWEDINT).
In the run up to the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, the embassy hosted a NATO-themed King’s Day reception, with ambassadors and military attachés from NATO member countries and the Indo-Pacific Four, as well as representatives from industry, academia, civil society, and the press.
Guest of honor was Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson who outlined Sweden’s security policy priorities - strong support for Ukraine, investments in total defence, and being an active NATO ally. Anna Wieslander of the Atlantic Council skillfully moderated questions from the audience following the speech.
Earlier in the program, the Netherlands’ Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans addressed the audience in a video message. He spoke about the shared values between the Netherlands and the Nordic countries, including our unwavering support for Ukraine and our focus on global peace & security.
Cyber security
The digital transformation of our societies is leading to an ever increasing amount of cybersecurity threats, such as ransomware, data breaches and misinformation. The Netherlands is ranked as one of the most powerful cyberspace countries in the world. The city of The Hague is an important hub for cybersecurity in Europe, hosting Europol’s European Cybercrime Center, NATO’s Communication & Information Agency and a plethora of cyber security companies.
Our embassy works closely together with organizations such as Innovation Quarter, the Netherlands Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-NL) and Security Delta (HSD) in The Hague. Together they represent a security cluster that connects over 275 companies, governmental organizations and knowledge institutions. This not only opens doors for Dutch companies and startups, but also provides opportunities for Swedish cybersecurity companies to gain a foothold in the Netherlands. For example, the Swedish company Sectra has been affiliated with HSD for years, and in August 2024 the Swedish CR Group Nordic AB acquired Dutch Fox Crypto.
The Netherlands embassy has arranged numerous activities over the last years to promote Dutch expertise in secure digitalization in Sweden. Two examples of companies that are gaining a strong foothold on the Swedish market are Northwave and Hackshield. We will continue to execute activities to enable Dutch cyber experts to explore opportunities in the Swedish market and to help establish contacts between Swedish stakeholders and the Dutch cyber security cluster.
In October 2025 we will arrange a fourth trade mission for Dutch cybersecurity companies to Stockholm. The program will include a seminar on cybersecurity in the Life Science & Health sector with knowledgeable speaker from both Sweden and The Netherlands. We are also involved in a tailored side program for a Swedish delegation to Europe’s prime cybersecurity event, the One Conference, including a consortia building session aimed at connecting participants for upcoming EU funding opportunities.
Hybrid threats
Rapidly evolving hybrid threats are a challenge to security in Europe. Like other EU-member states, the Netherlands and Sweden respond to hybrid threats by enhancing our resilience and detecting, preventing and responding to the threats. We hold regular bilateral consultations and share best practices. We cooperate to protect critical infrastructure, tackle disinformation and secure our democratic processes.
Defence Industry Cooperation
In March 2022, this embassy gathered one hundred guests from leading positions within the Dutch and Swedish defence industry. A unique opportunity to discuss collaboration within defence research and innovation. Matchmaking sessions allowed defence companies to find partners to build consortia within the European Defence Fund. Read more about this event.