Policy Updates

On December 17, 2024, 20 Swedish ODA organizations strongly criticized the government’s new development strategy, claiming that SEK3 billion (US$290 million) intended for poverty reduction is being redirected to migration control measures.

In an op-ed published in Dagens Industri, the organizations argue that the Tidö Agreement negotiated with far-right support, marks a fundamental shift in Sweden’s ODA priorities. Secretary General of Erikshjälpen Mattias Ingeson and Secretary General of Afrikagrupperna Louise Lindfors, joined by 18 other ODA leaders, stated that instead of assisting those fleeing conflict and crises, evidence suggests these measures have led to violations of human rights and the principles of the Refugee Convention.

The new strategy allocated significant funding to border police and migration management in transit countries. However, ODA organizations contend that this undermines Sweden’s long-standing development principles and argue that tackling the root causes of migration requires prioritizing core development assistance over border control measures.

The protest letter was signed by leaders from prominent Swedish ODA organizations, including Act Swedish Church, Diakonia, ForumCiv, International Rescue Committee, and the Swedish Afghanistan Committee, representing a broad coalition of Sweden’s development sector.

On November 26, 2024, the Swedish government approved an additional SEK50 million (US$5 million) in funding to UNFPA to support its operations in Ukraine; the funding is intended to address the impact of Russia's invasion on SRHR.

Sweden's SEK50 million (US$5 million) contribution from the ODA budget will be channeled through UNFPA's Humanitarian Thematic Fund to support operations in Ukraine.

According to Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa, Russian attacks have compromised access to essential healthcare, particularly maternal care and safe abortion services in the regions affected by the war. The need for humanitarian assistance has risen during winter, with many forced to flee Ukraine. Dousa noted that the support will help to support safe maternity care by building birthing rooms that are better equipped to withstand Russia’s attacks.

On November 26, 2024, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa announced plans to end Sweden's bilateral development assistance to Yemen, and emphasized that the phase-out will be carried out responsibly, with Sida concluding operations in June 30, 2025.

Dousa expressed that the increasingly destructive security situation led to the decision to phase out development assistance. The situation hindered effective monitoring of the development initiatives.

The decision aligned with the Swedish government's ODA Reform Agenda, which emphasized long-term planning, transparency, and efficiency. Swedish development assistance to Yemen has totaled approximately SEK80 million (US$8 million) annually in recent years.

Sweden will remain a major humanitarian donor to Yemen, where millions continue to require urgent assistance. For 2024, Swedish humanitarian assistance to Yemen amounted to SEK287 million (US$28 million). Sweden provided substantial core funding to several UN agencies active in Yemen, including UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, and WFP.

On November 5, 2024, Sweden has announced a humanitarian assistance package worth SEK110 million (US$10 million) to Ukraine aimed at helping civilians cope with damaged infrastructure and ongoing security threats.

The assistance package, unveiled by Sweden's new Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, focuses on providing heat and electricity to Ukrainian civilians as temperatures drop and Russian attacks on infrastructure continue.

The announcement comes as Ukraine faces multiple humanitarian challenges nearly two years into Russia's full-scale invasion. Beyond the immediate threat of Russian attacks, millions of internally displaced Ukrainians are grappling with the dangers of widespread landmines and increasing reports of GBV.

The Swedish aid will be distributed among four major humanitarian organizations, with the largest portion, about US$5 million, going to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society for winter preparedness, including heating, electricity, food, and medical supplies. The UNHCR will receive approximately US$2 million to assist internally displaced persons.

Notably, US$3 million will be directed to the UNDP mine clearance efforts, addressing what experts say could be a decades-long challenge for Ukraine. The country's vast agricultural lands, known for their fertile black soil, remain particularly affected by mines and unexploded ordnance. The remaining funds will support the UNFPA work addressing women's health needs and combating GBV, which humanitarian workers say has increased among vulnerable displaced populations.

On October 9, 2024, South Korea attended the 11^th Steering Committee Meeting of the Ukraine Donor Platform held in Rome, Italy.

South Korean Representative Byung Ha Jung presented the government’s efforts to support Ukraine’s reconstruction in education, infrastructure, and health and medical care. He also held bilateral meetings with representatives of Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Sweden, and other countries to discuss cooperation. Through this participation, the South Korean government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction.

On October 9, 2024, in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, the Swedish government announced a significant increase in funding, pledging an additional SEK84 million (US$8 million) to support relief efforts.

The decision comes as the UN estimates that over one million people in Lebanon are in urgent need of emergency assistance, with hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.

The announcement followed the UN's Flash Appeal for Lebanon launched on October 1, 2024, which highlighted the critical need for shelter, food, clean water, medicine, and medical care. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund, to which Sweden is a major contributor, has already allocated US$10 million to the crisis.

Sweden's latest assistance package brings its total humanitarian support to Lebanon for 2024 to SEK158 million (US$14 million), more than doubling its previous commitment. The funds will be distributed through various channels, including:

• SEK53 million (US$5 million) to the UNHCR for cross-border assistance between Lebanon and Syria;
• SEK7 million (US$630,000) to the Lebanese Red Cross via the IFRC;
• SEK20 million (US$2 million) to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, managed by the UNOCHA; and
• SEK4 million (US$315,000) to Save the Children in Lebanon.

On September 17, 2024, Sweden announced a reduction in its ODA budget as part of the autumn budget proposition, marking a shift in the country's long-standing commitment to international development assistance.

Newly appointed Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa revealed that the annual ODA allocation will drop from SEK56 billion (US$5.4 billion) to SEK53 billion (US$5.1 billion) between 2026-2028. This represents a cut of SEK3 billion (US$291 million) per year compared to the 2023-2025 budget.

Dousa stated that Sweden is undergoing a restructuring process that focuses on efficiency to areas most in need. However, he declined to specify which areas of foreign assistance would face the most significant cuts.

The early announcement aims to give Sida time to adjust their priorities and operations.

Justifying the decision, Dousa pointed to pressing domestic challenges citing needs in policing, defense, and welfare services that could benefit from the redirected funds.

This reduction aligns with the government's earlier decision, made in partnership with the Sweden Democrats, to abandon Sweden's long-held goal of allocating 1% of its GNI to ODA.

Dousa acknowledged the difficulties in reaching a consensus among the four coalition parties but stressed their united front in making tough decisions. He assured that Ukraine would continue to be the largest recipient of Swedish assistance, underscoring the country's commitment to supporting nations in crisis.

On September 10, 2024, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson outlined a continued focus on Ukraine in Sweden's ODA efforts, while calling for increased accountability in international assistance programs.

Kristersson emphasized that supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression is Sweden's most pressing foreign policy task. He framed this support as a duty of the free world to resist Russia's expansion of power. Sweden has already delivered 17 support packages to Ukraine. The government proposed a multi-year financial framework of SEK75 billion (US$6.8 billion) for 2024-2026, aiming to provide long-term, predictable support.

Beyond military support, Sweden advocated for accelerated steps towards Ukraine's EU membership and pushed for tighter EU sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting Russian gas exports. While reaffirming Sweden's position as a generous global donor, Kristersson announced a new direction for the country's development assistance policy. Ukraine was centered as Sweden's largest recipient of ODA, marking a historical shift in priorities.

Kristersson also stressed an increased emphasis on lasting results, effectiveness, and transparency in assistance programs, signaling a continued move towards more results-oriented development strategies.

On August 20, 2024, the Swedish government announced a significant increase in its support for independent media in Venezuela in the wake of a contentious election that has raised international concerns about the state of democracy in the country.

Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell revealed plans to allocate an additional SEK10 million (US$1 million) to support freedom of expression, press freedom, and independent media initiatives in Venezuela.

Forssell noted that Venezuela's socialist regime is actively silencing free speech and blocking oppositional voices. He stated that the funding's goal is to help independent journalists report on political developments and document ongoing restrictions on human rights and freedoms.

The funding is part of a broader Swedish initiative to improve conditions for free elections globally. It underscores the Swedish government's commitment to strengthening democracy and freedom of expression worldwide, with a focus on countries grappling with authoritarianism.

The SIDA will oversee the distribution of funds, ensuring they reach organizations and individuals working to maintain a free and independent media landscape in Venezuela.

On August 8, 2024, the Swedish Expert Group for Aid Studies published a report that cast doubt on the effectiveness of Sweden's recent approach to international development assistance and migration control.

Sweden's right-wing government has made counteracting the root causes of irregular migration a priority for its ODA. Contrary to the government's expectations, research suggests that economic growth in developing countries often leads to increased migration in the short term, a phenomenon called the 'migration hump.'

The report noted that certain types of assistance, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and education, have shown promise in providing incentives for people to remain in their home countries. Agricultural assistance, for instance, can boost opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in rural areas, potentially stemming the tide of rural-to-urban and international migration.

The report emphasized the importance of integration efforts for refugees already in host countries. Effective integration policies that enable displaced persons to become self-reliant and strengthen host communities can mitigate the long-term impacts of forced migration. The researchers noted a significant gap between this ideal and the current reality, where many refugees lack access to work permits, social services, and economic opportunities.

The study criticized a key tenet of the current government's approach, namely conditioning assistance on partner countries' willingness to accept returned asylum seekers. The report advocated for addressing the 'root causes' of forced displacement. Investments in conflict prevention, disaster preparedness, and post-conflict reconstruction were highlighted as areas where development assistance can make a meaningful impact.