Sweden should stop the explosions with “more speed” in EU cooperation

Stockholm – In January, there was an average of one explosion per day in Sweden. To stop the wave of violence, the illegal access to explosives must be curtailed, according to the country’s government.

“Together with gun violence, bombings are the most extreme expression of the system-threatening organized crime,” writes Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer and Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Minister for Civil Defense, in a debate article in Svenska Dagbladet.

The measures that the government primarily wants to implement are stricter control, increased supervision in Sweden, and more momentum in cooperation at the EU level.

There are still significant shortcomings in the municipalities’ supervision of issued permits for handling explosive materials. In 2023, there were a total of 3,750 permits for explosive goods issued – but only 352 inspections were carried out.

According to the government’s proposal, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency will take on a coordinating role for the municipalities’ permitting activities. The agency will also supervise the municipalities’ permitting and inspection activities.

(May 28)