2026-04-012025/26:UU7 · p.1UUForeign affairs

Direction of foreign policy

Sweden's foreign-policy direction: engagement in international organisations and the rules-based world order

What's at stake: The question concerns how clearly Sweden should signal support for international organisations and the rules-based order, which affects Sweden's role in multilateral cooperation and its influence in foreign and security policy.

Case texts and AI reasoning are AI-translated from the Swedish originals; the Swedish text is authoritative.

What the vote decides

The vote concerns whether the Riksdag, beyond the committee's general account of Sweden's foreign-policy direction, should specifically declare that multilateralism and the rules-based international system need to be developed and defended.

Yes Yes — the committee proposal

The committee rejects the motions, referring to its general position: Sweden should continue to give top priority to its neighbourhood, support Ukraine, uphold the rules-based world order, and remain an active member of international organisations, without a separate statement.

No No — the reservations

Reservation 1 (S, MP)

The S and MP parties argue that multilateralism must evolve to meet new global challenges and want the Riksdag to declare that the rules-based world order, the multilateral system, and international rules and norms must be defended.

Summarised from the committee report. Party labels in the summary come from the report, not from the vote.

VSMPCLKDMSD
YesNoAbstainAbsent

What do the votes mean here?

Yes The committee proposal: rejecting the motions (keeping things as they are).

No Backing the counter-proposal: reservation 1 by S, MP.

Abstain The party marks a position of its own that is not one of the two final alternatives.

The decision would have gone the other way

Explicit commitments that contradicted the vote: KDKristdemokraterna, LLiberalerna, VVänsterpartiet

Ja 162–108Nej 117–153

Counterfactual: the parties above are moved to the position their own documents explicitly point at, carrying their whole contingent present. Every other party keeps its real figures, including dissenters and absentees.

What each plan points to — and how the party voted

For each party: the vote its own election manifesto and party programme point to in this case, next to how the party actually voted. A plan can only point to Yes or No; a party can also abstain.

PlanVoteConfidenceEvidence
VNoYes 17/0/0/5departs from the planagainst own programmeconfidence: highexplicit
Sown reservationNoNo 0/90/0/16follows the planconfidence: highexplicit
MPown reservationNoNo 0/15/0/3follows the planconfidence: highexplicit
CNoAbstain 0/0/19/5departs from the planconfidence: highexplicit
LNoYes 12/0/0/4departs from the planagainst own programmeconfidence: highexplicit
KDNoYes 16/0/0/3departs from the planagainst own programmeconfidence: highexplicit
MNoYes 55/0/0/11departs from the planconfidence: mediumderived
SDYesYes 59/0/0/11follows the planconfidence: lowderived

Committee proposal

The Riksdag rejects the motions 2025/26:3623 by Morgan Johansson et al. (S) amendments 43 and 44, and 2025/26:3729 by Kerstin Lundgren et al. (C) amendments 2, 4 and 5.

Original (Swedish)

Riksdagen avslår motionerna 2025/26:3623 av Morgan Johansson m.fl. (S) yrkandena 43 och 44 samt 2025/26:3729 av Kerstin Lundgren m.fl. (C) yrkandena 2, 4 och 5.

Riksdag decision: The Riksdag rejected approximately 125 proposals in motions from the general motion periods 2024 and 2025 concerning international relations, among other things in light of the government's ongoing work on these issues. The proposals concern, among other things, the direction of foreign policy, the organization and mandate of the foreign service, relations with African countries, Western Sahara, Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Counter-proposals

Plan vs actual vote

Every party, in chamber order: what its own plan pointed to, how it voted, and the reasoning behind both. Highlighted rows are where the two differ — but a vote that follows the plan is a result too, so the reasoning is there for every party.

VVänsterpartietNoYesdeparts from the planexplicit

The plan establishes that the UN's position is of central importance for small countries, that Sweden should work for the UN to play a larger role and that international law needs to be defended and deepened.

Plan documents: party programme · 2022 manifesto

Reasoning and quotes

The plan establishes that the UN's position is of central importance for small countries, that Sweden should work for the UN to play a larger role and that international law needs to be defended and deepened. The counter-proposal's requirement that multilateralism develops and that the rules-based order and international norms are defended jointly is exactly that line. The plan also requires that Sweden strengthens the UN and increases aid.

Original (Swedish)

Planen slår fast att FN:s ställning är av central betydelse för små länder, att Sverige ska verka för att FN spelar en större roll och att folkrätten behöver försvaras och fördjupas. Motförslagets krav på att multilateralismen utvecklas och att den regelbaserade ordningen och internationella normer försvaras gemensamt är just den linjen. Planen kräver också att Sverige stärker FN och ökar biståndet.

  • strengthened UNdecisive»Vi vill därför att Sverige verkar för att FN ska spela en större roll« (party programme ↗)“We therefore want Sweden to work for the UN to play a larger role”
  • defend international law»Folkrätten behöver försvaras och« (party programme ↗)“International law needs to be defended and”
  • multilateralism for small countries»FN:s ställning i världen är av central betydelse för små länder som« (party programme ↗)“The UN's position in the world is of central importance for small countries such as”
  • international solidarity»Sverige ska öka biståndet, stärka FN och skriva under kärnvapenkonventionen.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Sweden should increase aid, strengthen the UN and sign the nuclear weapons convention.”

The stance rests on the quoted commitment in the party's own documents; the actual vote deviated. Click the quote to verify it in the document.

SSocialdemokraternaNoNofollows the planexplicit

The plan's foreign policy core is defence of international law and a rules-based world order, with the UN's role and the prohibition of force as essential parts.

Plan documents: party programme · 2022 manifesto

Reasoning and quotes

The plan's foreign policy core is defence of international law and a rules-based world order, with the UN's role and the prohibition of force as essential parts. The counter-proposal's requirement that the rules-based world order, the multilateral system and international norms are defended together is exactly this commitment. The plan moreover emphasizes international responsibility as the way forward.

Original (Swedish)

Planens utrikespolitiska kärna är försvaret av folkrätten och en regelbaserad världsordning, med FN:s roll och våldsförbudet som bärande delar. Motförslagets krav på att den regelbaserade världsordningen, det multilaterala systemet och internationella normer försvaras gemensamt är exakt detta åtagande. Planen betonar dessutom internationellt ansvarstagande som väg framåt.

  • international law and rules-based orderdecisive»Försvar för folkrätten och en regelbaserad världsordning.« (party programme ↗)“Defence of international law and a rules-based world order.”
  • protect the UN and multilateralism»Vi kommer att fortsätta värna FN:s roll i arbetet för folkrätten och det internationella samarbetet.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“We shall continue to protect the UN's role in work for international law and international cooperation.”
  • the UN Charter's prohibition of force»Våldsförbudet i FN-stadgan respekteras i världspolitiken.« (party programme ↗)“The prohibition of force in the UN Charter is respected in world politics.”
  • human rights and global security»Vi kommer att fortsätta arbetet för att öka respekten för de mänskliga rättigheterna, demokratin och en regelbaserad världsordning och global säkerhet.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“We shall continue work to increase respect for human rights, democracy and a rules-based world order and global security.”
MPMiljöpartietNoNofollows the planexplicit

The plan states that Sweden should defend a world order based on international law and support international courts, and that the world's challenges can only be solved jointly through the UN, EU and other international cooperation.

Plan documents: party programme · 2022 manifesto

Reasoning and quotes

The plan states that Sweden should defend a world order based on international law and support international courts, and that the world's challenges can only be solved jointly through the UN, EU and other international cooperation. The party also wants to reform and strengthen the UN. The counter-proposal's demands that multilateralism be developed and that the rules-based world order be defended jointly are therefore precisely what the plan demands.

Original (Swedish)

Planen slår fast att Sverige ska försvara en världsordning baserad på folkrätten och stödja de internationella domstolarna, och att världens utmaningar bara kan lösas gemensamt genom FN, EU och andra internationella samarbeten. Partiet vill dessutom reformera och stärka FN. Motförslagets krav på att multilateralismen utvecklas och att den regelbaserade världsordningen försvaras gemensamt är därmed precis vad planen kräver.

  • defend international lawdecisive»världsordning baserad på folkrätten. Sveriges ska stödja de internationella domstolarna« (party programme ↗)“world order based on international law. Sweden should support international courts”
  • multilateral cooperation»utmaningar världen står inför kan bara lösas gemensamt och FN, EU och andra« (party programme ↗)“challenges the world faces can only be solved jointly and through the UN, EU and other”
  • more interstate cooperation»Vi är övertygade om att det behövs mer samarbete mellan länder för att lösa« (party programme ↗)“We are convinced that there is a need for more cooperation between countries to solve”
  • close international cooperation»gör det ännu viktigare med nära samarbeten med andra länder« (2022 manifesto ↗)“makes close cooperation with other countries even more important”
CCenterpartietNoAbstaindeparts from the planexplicit

The plan establishes that shared challenges can only be solved through international cooperation and that the UN must be reformed to fully be able to bear its responsibility.

Plan documents: party programme

Reasoning and quotes

The plan establishes that shared challenges can only be solved through international cooperation and that the UN must be reformed to fully be able to bear its responsibility. The purpose of foreign policy is stated to be to protect universal human freedoms and rights, a responsibility shared by the entire world. The counter-proposal's requirement to develop multilateralism and jointly defend the rule-based order aligns directly with this.

Original (Swedish)

Planen slår fast att gemensamma utmaningar bara kan lösas genom internationellt samarbete och att FN måste reformeras för att fullt ut kunna bära sitt ansvar. Utrikespolitikens syfte anges vara att värna universella mänskliga fri- och rättigheter, ett ansvar som delas av hela världen. Motförslagets krav på att utveckla multilateralismen och gemensamt försvara den regelbaserade ordningen ligger direkt i linje med detta.

  • international cooperation solves shared challengesdecisive»Utmaningar som är gemensamma för många nationer, som tullmurar, klimatfrågan och internationell brottslighet, kan bara lösas genom internationellt samarbete.« (party programme ↗)“Challenges that are shared by many nations, such as tariffs, the climate question and international crime, can only be solved through international cooperation.”
  • develop and reform the UN»reformeras för att fullt ut bli en organisation som kan bära detta ansvar.« (party programme ↗)“be reformed to fully become an organization that can bear this responsibility.”
  • protect universal rights»Utrikes- och säkerhetspolitiken syftar ytterst till att värna universella mänskliga fri- och rättigheter.« (party programme ↗)“Foreign and security policy ultimately aims to protect universal human freedoms and rights.”
  • shared global responsibility»Fred, skyddet av mänskliga rättigheter och hållbar utveckling är hela världens ansvar.« (party programme ↗)“Peace, the protection of human rights and sustainable development are the entire world's responsibility.”

The stance rests on the quoted commitment in the party's own documents; the actual vote deviated. Click the quote to verify it in the document.

LLiberalernaNoYesdeparts from the planexplicit

The plan wants Sweden to do much more, both individually and within international cooperation, for freedoms and rights and cooperation in the free world, and establishes that the world needs a more effective and credible UN.

Plan documents: 2022 manifesto · party programme

Reasoning and quotes

The plan wants Sweden to do much more, both individually and within international cooperation, for freedoms and rights and cooperation in the free world, and establishes that the world needs a more effective and credible UN. Defending the rules-based international order and developing the multilateral system is thus precisely what the plan advocates. The plan also wants to place democracy requirements in UN bodies and deepen Europe cooperation.

Original (Swedish)

Planen vill att Sverige gör mycket mer, både enskilt och inom internationella samarbeten, för fri- och rättigheter och samarbete i den fria världen, och slår fast att världen behöver ett mer handlingskraftigt och trovärdigt FN. Att försvara den regelbaserade världsordningen och utveckla det multilaterala systemet är därmed precis vad planen förespråkar. Planen vill också ställa demokratikrav i FN:s organ och fördjupa Europasamarbetet.

  • values-driven foreign policydecisive»Därför vill vi att Sverige gör mycket mer, både som enskilt land och inom internationella samarbeten, för fri- och rättigheter, frihandel, fria val och samarbete i den fria världen.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Therefore we want Sweden to do much more, both as an individual country and within international cooperation, for freedoms and rights, free trade, free choice and cooperation in the free world.”
  • stronger UN»ett FN som är mer handlingskraftigt och mer trovärdigt.« (party programme ↗)“a UN that is more effective and more credible.”
  • democracy requirement in UN bodies»Det ska finnas ett demokratikrav för medlemskap i FN:s råd för mänskliga rättigheter.« (party programme ↗)“There shall be a democracy requirement for membership in the UN's human rights council.”
  • deepened Europe cooperation»Europa behöver mer – inte mindre – samarbete.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Europe needs more – not less – cooperation.”

The stance rests on the quoted commitment in the party's own documents; the actual vote deviated. Click the quote to verify it in the document.

KDKristdemokraternaNoYesdeparts from the planexplicit

The plan lays down that the UN's position must be protected and strengthened, as must international courts and legal systems, and that common institutions are needed to streamline international cooperation.

Plan documents: party programme

Reasoning and quotes

The plan lays down that the UN's position must be protected and strengthened, as must international courts and legal systems, and that common institutions are needed to streamline international cooperation. The counter-proposal's requirement that the rule-based world order and the multilateral system be defended jointly is precisely this commitment. Swedish security and foreign policy must, according to the plan, moreover be characterized by cooperation and promote peace, democracy and human rights.

Original (Swedish)

Planen slår fast att FN:s ställning måste skyddas och stärkas, liksom internationella domstolar och rättssystem, och att gemensamma institutioner behövs för att effektivisera det internationella samarbetet. Motförslagets krav på att den regelbaserade världsordningen och det multilaterala systemet försvaras gemensamt är precis detta åtagande. Svensk säkerhets- och utrikespolitik ska enligt planen dessutom präglas av samarbete och främja fred, demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter.

  • strengthened UN and international lawdecisive»Därför måste FN:s ställning skyddas och stärkas, liksom olika« (party programme ↗)“Therefore, the UN's position must be protected and strengthened, as must various”
  • shared international institutions»internationellt samarbete i dessa frågor bör lämpliga gemensamma institutioner« (party programme ↗)“international cooperation in these matters should appropriate shared institutions”
  • international security cooperation»Sveriges säkerhetspolitik ska präglas av samarbete, förutseende och helhetslösningar inom« (party programme ↗)“Swedish security policy must be characterized by cooperation, foresight and comprehensive solutions within”
  • values-based foreign policy»Svensk utrikespolitik ska främja fred, frihet, demokrati och utveckling samt mänskliga« (party programme ↗)“Swedish foreign policy must promote peace, freedom, democracy and development as well as human”

The stance rests on the quoted commitment in the party's own documents; the actual vote deviated. Click the quote to verify it in the document.

MModeraternaNoYesdeparts from the planderived

The plan states that Sweden together with like-minded nations shall build the cooperation that protects our values, and that we through the UN system are part of the international law and rule-based system that seeks global solutions.

Plan documents: party programme · 2022 manifesto

Reasoning and quotes

The plan states that Sweden together with like-minded nations shall build the cooperation that protects our values, and that we through the UN system are part of the international law and rule-based system that seeks global solutions. To jointly defend the rule-based world order and international norms is therefore the plan's own line. That the plan wants to see a reformed UN speaks for developed, not weakened, multilateralism.

Original (Swedish)

Planen slår fast att Sverige tillsammans med likasinnade nationer ska bygga de samarbeten som värnar våra värden, och att vi genom FN-systemet är del av den folkrätt och det regelbaserade system som söker globala lösningar. Att gemensamt försvara den regelbaserade världsordningen och de internationella normerna är därmed planens egen linje. Att planen vill se ett reformerat FN talar för utvecklad, inte försvagad, multilateralism.

  • cooperation with like-mindeddecisive»Sverige ska fortsätta att tillsammans med likasinnade nationer« (party programme ↗)“Sweden shall continue to together with like-minded nations”
  • international law and the UN system»Genom FN-systemet är vi del av den folkrätt som värnar vår« (party programme ↗)“Through the UN system we are part of the international law that protects our”
  • reformed multilateralism»Verka för ett reformerat FN« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Work for a reformed UN”
  • strong voice for democracy»Sverige ska vara en stark röst för frihet, demokrati och« (party programme ↗)“Sweden shall be a strong voice for freedom, democracy and”

The plan takes no explicit position on what the committee actually decided — often because the committee's reason was procedural. The stance is derived and fully cited, but it does not show the party broke a commitment.

SDSverigedemokraternaYesYesfollows the planderived

The counter-proposal wishes to develop multilateralism and jointly defend the multilateral system.

Plan documents: 2022 manifesto

Reasoning and quotes

The counter-proposal wishes to develop multilateralism and jointly defend the multilateral system. The plan states that interstate cooperation between sovereign nation-states is fully sufficient and views supranational forms with strong skepticism, and wishes foreign policy to a greater degree to protect Swedish interests and the independence of popular sovereignty. An expanded multilateral order as an end in itself therefore has no support in the plan.

Original (Swedish)

Motförslaget vill utveckla multilateralismen och gemensamt försvara det multilaterala systemet. Planen anger att mellanstatligt samarbete mellan suveräna nationalstater är fullt tillräckligt och ser med stark skepsis på överstatliga former, samt vill att utrikespolitiken i högre grad värnar svenska intressen och folkstyrets oberoende. En utbyggd multilateral ordning som mål i sig har därför inte stöd i planen.

  • inter-statehood before supranationalitydecisive»Återupprätta mellanstatligheten och stärka väljarnas påverkansmöjligheter« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Restore inter-statehood and strengthen voters' influence possibilities”
  • stop power transfer»Stoppa maktöverföringar och EU-skatter« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Stop power transfers and EU taxes”
  • Swedish interests first»Sverigedemokraterna vill att inriktningen av utrikespolitiken i högre utsträckning än idag ska värna svenskarnas intressen på det globala planet.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Sweden Democrats wish the direction of foreign policy to a greater extent than today to protect Swedes' interests on the global stage.”
  • national self-determination»Bejaka och stärka det svenska folkstyrets oberoende« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Affirm and strengthen the Swedish people's independence”

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Sources and documents

Documents under consideration

Source: The Swedish Parliament