– Those who will be abroad on missions in peacetime must be employees and volunteers. It is important to us, the duty is part of the Swedish defence, but it must be used with caution. Should there be war or the threat of war, then conscription applies, says Hanna Gunnarsson (V), defense policy spokesperson.
On Friday, the Defense Committee’s final report came out, with a series of proposals for how Sweden’s defense should be developed. The parties in the Riksdag agreed on much but not everything. A question that remains unanswered is whether conscripts should be able to be sent abroad on NATO missions in peacetime.
– We think it is better if Sweden’s contribution to such operations is professional soldiers, who are there voluntarily and thus more motivated, says Emma Berginger (MP), defense policy spokesperson.
Sensitive question
According to information to SVT, there was a discussion in the Defense Committee that people who underwent conscription training in certain places would be offered to be sent to Latvia after completing the training to serve in the troop force Sweden should have there.
However, sending conscripts abroad was a sensitive issue mainly for V and MP. Therefore, it was decided to postpone it and let it be investigated further.
– In war or high alert, the regulations are very clear. On the other hand, we think it is complex in peacetime, which is why we propose further political preparation and that one should try to find a broad political solution, says the Chairman of the Defense Committee Hans Wallmark (M) to SVT.
Abroad in peacetime
Among the Sweden Democrats, the Christian Democrats and the Liberals there is support for conscription abroad in peacetime.
– In ten years, this will be a non-issue. It’s a mental adjustment we have to go through, says Lars Wistedt (SD), defense policy spokesperson.
– Our view is that fully trained conscripts should be able to take part in operations, says Mikael Oscarsson (KD), defense policy spokesperson.