National Security Council (Sweden)

The National Security Council of Sweden is the body under the Swedish government in which matters of national security are discussed and security cooperation between different departments organized. A number of other countries also have similar councils, many of these serving as inspiration for the decision to establish the Swedish National Security Council.

Composition
The National Security Council is chaired by the Prime Minister and consists of cabinet ministers. These are: The Minister of Justice, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Civil Defence and the Minister of Finance. Other leaders of political parties that are members of the government also become members of the council.

While those mentioned above are the only members of the council and are entitled to attend all meetings, the prime minister may invite others to attend individual meetings. These have so far included the leaders of all political parties in the Riksdag, the National Police Commissioner and the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces.

History and function
The National Security Councils creation was first announced by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in his Declaration of Government held on 18 October 2022. The proposal to create one had however existed for many years and a Political Security Council had existed since the premiership of Stefan Löfven. On 10 November 2022 Henrik Landerholm was appointed as the first National Security Advisor to the Government and tasked with advicing the prime minister on how the council could be structured and operate.

The National Security Council ordinarily convenes every other week under the Prime Minister's chairmanship. It may however meet more often if required, such as in a state of emergency. The role of the council is to make it easier for cabinet ministers to inform each other and the prime minister on matters of national security and cooperate operations between their departments regarding national security.

National Security Advisor
The National Security Advisor to the Government of Sweden (Regeringens Nationella Säkerhetsrådgivare) is the official responsible for assisting and advicing the National Security Council and the Prime Minister, as well as managing the Councils affairs. They shall also provide analysis and information to the council.