2026-03-192025/26:MJU13 · p.2MJUEnvironment & agriculture
Measures against the spread of invasive alien species
What's at stake: The question concerns how effectively Sweden can stop new invasive species at the border and at sea before they establish themselves and damage native ecosystems, agriculture, and aquatic environments.
Case texts and AI reasoning are AI-translated from the Swedish originals; the Swedish text is authoritative.
What the vote decides
Parliament decides whether current and already-adopted measures against invasive alien species are sufficient, or whether the framework should be followed up and expanded, including clearer inter-agency cooperation at border controls and protection against spread in the marine environment.
Yes Yes — the committee proposal
The committee rejects the motions, noting that the government has already intensified work against invasive alien species — including strengthened national coordination, more control measures, and communication efforts — and that the proposed legal changes will strengthen the framework ahead of a national list of invasive species.
No No — the reservations
Reservation 1 (C)
Reservation (the Centre Party): the framework should be followed up once in force, authorities should review how they can assist Customs at border controls, and the framework should be developed to better protect against the spread of invasive species in the marine environment, e.g. via ship hulls (biofouling).
Summarised from the committee report. Party labels in the summary come from the report, not from the vote.
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 C.
Abstain The party marks a position of its own that is not one of the two final alternatives.
The decision would have held
Explicit commitments that contradicted the vote: SDSverigedemokraterna
Ja 259–21Ja 198–82
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.
| Plan | Vote | Confidence | Evidence | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | No | Yes 17/0/0/5 | departs from the plan | confidence: medium | not addressed |
| S | No | Yes 93/0/0/13 | departs from the plan | confidence: medium | not addressed |
| MP | No | Abstain 0/0/13/5 | departs from the plan | confidence: medium | not addressed |
| C | No | No 0/21/0/3 | follows the plan | confidence: high | explicit |
| L | No | Yes 11/0/0/5 | departs from the plan | confidence: medium | not addressed |
| KD | No | Yes 14/0/0/5 | departs from the plan | confidence: medium | not addressed |
| M | No | Yes 60/0/0/8 | departs from the plan | confidence: low | not addressed |
| SD | No | Yes 61/0/0/10 | departs from the planagainst own programme | confidence: high | explicit |
Committee proposal
The Riksdag rejects the motions 2025/26:1856 by Johan Büser and Dzenan Cisija (both S) motion 3, 2025/26:2824 by Stina Larsson et al. (C) motion 14, 2025/26:3428 by Emma Nohrén et al. (MP) motion 55, 2025/26:3774 by Emma Nohrén et al. (MP) motion 37 and 2025/26:3845 by Stina Larsson et al. (C) motions 1-3.
Original (Swedish)
Riksdagen avslår motionerna 2025/26:1856 av Johan Büser och Dzenan Cisija (båda S) yrkande 3, 2025/26:2824 av Stina Larsson m.fl. (C) yrkande 14, 2025/26:3428 av Emma Nohrén m.fl. (MP) yrkande 55, 2025/26:3774 av Emma Nohrén m.fl. (MP) yrkande 37 och 2025/26:3845 av Stina Larsson m.fl. (C) yrkandena 1-3.
Riksdag decision: The Riksdag approved the government's proposal to tighten the regulations for invasive alien species. The bill means, among other things, that a person who intentionally or through gross negligence introduces an invasive alien species to Sweden from another EU country can be sentenced to fines or imprisonment for up to two years. The proposal also means that a person who introduces invasive alien species from another EU country must be obliged to report the species to the Swedish Customs Agency. The Customs Agency must also be granted authority to check the importation of foreign species at the internal land border and, if necessary, seize such species. Invasive alien species means species of animals, plants, fungi or microorganisms that are introduced and spread in the environment and cause problems for, for example, native plants and animals, human health and society. The law changes enter into force on 1 May 2026. The Riksdag also rejected approximately 200 proposals in motions from the ordinary motion period 2025, primarily citing measures already taken. The proposals concern, among other things, invasive alien species, area protection, species protection, remediation and shore protection.
Counter-proposals
- The counter-proposal wants a follow-up of the stricter regulations, assistance to Customs in controlling invasive species from other authorities, and strengthened coordination between county administrative boards. (C) — Reservation 1
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.
The plan warns that overexploitation of nature depletes biodiversity and demands conscious and comprehensive work for good conditions for ecosystems.
Plan documents: party programme · 2022 manifesto
Reasoning and quotes
The plan warns that overexploitation of nature depletes biodiversity and demands conscious and comprehensive work for good conditions for ecosystems. It wants environmental goals followed up with strict legislation and practical work. Monitoring of regulations, support for border control and protection against spread of invasive species in the marine environment is such practical implementation.
Original (Swedish)
Planen varnar för att överutnyttjandet av naturen utarmar den biologiska mångfalden och kräver ett medvetet och heltäckande arbete för goda villkor för ekosystemen. Den vill ha miljömål som följs upp med skarp lagstiftning och praktiskt arbete. Uppföljning av regelverket, stöd till gränskontrollen och skydd mot spridning av invasiva arter i havsmiljön är sådant praktiskt genomförande.
- comprehensive work for ecosystemsdecisive»Sverige behöver också ett medvetet och heltäckande arbete med att« (party programme ↗)“Sweden also needs conscious and comprehensive work with”
- protect biodiversity»Ett ständigt överutnyttjande av naturens resurser leder till kraftig utarmning av den biologiska mångfalden och växthusgasutsläpp.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Constant overexploitation of nature's resources leads to severe depletion of biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions.”
- monitoring of environmental rules»miljömål som följs upp med skarp lagstiftning och praktiskt arbete.« (party programme ↗)“environmental goals followed up with strict legislation and practical work.”
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.
The plan requires protection of biological diversity and Sweden's aquatic environments and particularly points out the Baltic Sea as a sea in crisis, which supports the counter-proposal's demands for developed protection against the spread of invasive species in marine environments.
Plan documents: party programme · 2022 manifesto
Reasoning and quotes
The plan requires protection of biological diversity and Sweden's aquatic environments and particularly points out the Baltic Sea as a sea in crisis, which supports the counter-proposal's demands for developed protection against the spread of invasive species in marine environments. Monitoring of regulations and support for border control follow from the requirement that society have control where the harmful effects are cross-border. Invasive species are not treated explicitly in the documents.
Original (Swedish)
Planen kräver värn av biologisk mångfald och av Sveriges vattenmiljöer och pekar särskilt ut Östersjön som ett hav i kris, vilket bär motförslagets krav på utvecklat skydd mot spridning av invasiva arter i havsmiljön. Uppföljning av regelverket och stöd till gränskontrollen följer av att samhället ska ha kontroll där skadeverkningarna är gränsöverskridande. Invasiva arter behandlas inte uttryckligen i dokumenten.
- protection of biological diversitydecisive»Värn av biologisk mångfald och Sveriges värdefulla natur och vattenmiljöer.« (party programme ↗)“Protection of biological diversity and Sweden's valuable nature and aquatic environments.”
- threatened marine environment»Östersjön har blivit ett hav i kris.« (party programme ↗)“The Baltic Sea has become a sea in crisis.”
- healthy ecosystems»Giftfri miljö med ren luft och rent vatten i hela Sverige.« (party programme ↗)“Toxin-free environment with clean air and clean water throughout Sweden.”
- strengthened border controls»Vi behöver förstärka det internationella arbetet mot brottsligheten.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“We need to strengthen international work against crime.”
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.
The plan makes protection of biodiversity a core commitment: nature should be protected, strengthened and restored, and Sweden should actively work against trade that threatens species.
Plan documents: party programme
Reasoning and quotes
The plan makes protection of biodiversity a core commitment: nature should be protected, strengthened and restored, and Sweden should actively work against trade that threatens species. Following up on regulations, support for border control and protection against spread via ship hulls are measures in that direction. The plan also requires that protection of marine areas and ecosystems be expanded and strengthened.
Original (Swedish)
Planen gör skyddet av den biologiska mångfalden till ett kärnåtagande: naturen ska skyddas, stärkas och återställas, och Sverige ska arbeta aktivt mot handel som hotar arter. Uppföljning av regelverket, stöd till gränskontrollen och skydd mot spridning via fartygsskrov är åtgärder i den riktningen. Planen kräver dessutom att skyddet av marina områden och ekosystem utökas och stärks.
- protect biodiversitydecisive»Naturen och den biologiska mångfalden behöver skyddas, stärkas och återställas.« (party programme ↗)“Nature and biodiversity need to be protected, strengthened and restored.”
- strengthened marine protection»Skyddet av marina områden och ekosystem« (party programme ↗)“Protection of marine areas and ecosystems”
- active work against species threat»Sverige ska arbeta aktivt för att bekämpa tjuvjakt och handel« (party programme ↗)“Sweden should actively work to combat poaching and trade”
- cross-border rules»Därför behövs överstatliga beslut och internationella överenskommelser som« (party programme ↗)“Therefore, transnational decisions and international agreements are needed that”
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.
The plan explicitly states that more must be done to combat invasive species as part of caring for nature and developing biological diversity.
Plan documents: 2022 manifesto · party programme
Reasoning and quotes
The plan explicitly states that more must be done to combat invasive species as part of caring for nature and developing biological diversity. It also wants to save lakes, watercourses and seas. Follow-up of regulations, support for border control and enhanced protection in the marine environment are measures that serve exactly this.
Original (Swedish)
Planen säger uttryckligen att mer måste göras för att bekämpa invasiva arter som en del av att vårda naturen och utveckla den biologiska mångfalden. Den vill också rädda sjöar, vattendrag och hav. Uppföljning av regelverket, stöd till gränskontrollen och ett utvecklat skydd i havsmiljön är åtgärder som tjänar just detta.
- combat invasive speciesdecisive»Sveriges natur ska vårdas och den biologiska mångfalden utvecklas. Mer måste göras för att restaurera våtmarker, bekämpa invasiva arter och underlätta för markägare att bidra, då frivillighet och äganderätt är grunden för en bättre naturvård.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Sweden's nature shall be cared for and biological diversity developed. More must be done to restore wetlands, combat invasive species and facilitate landowners to contribute, as voluntary participation and ownership are the foundation for better nature conservation.”
- protect the ecosystems»Att skydda den biologiska mångfalden är nödvändigt för att ekosystemen ska kunna fortleva.« (party programme ↗)“Protecting biological diversity is necessary for ecosystems to be able to persist.”
- protect the marine environment»Rädda Sveriges sjöar, vattendrag och hav.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Save Sweden's lakes, watercourses and seas.”
- protect marine environments»Skadlig bottentrålning ska inte få förstöra för varken havsmiljön, den småskaliga fiskenäringen eller sportfisket.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Harmful bottom trawling shall not be allowed to destroy either the marine environment, small-scale fishing or sport fishing.”
The plan demands that the seas are protected through agreements between coastal states with clear sanctions for breaches, and that threatened species are protected through preservation and habitat protection.
Plan documents: party programme · 2022 manifesto
Reasoning and quotes
The plan demands that the seas are protected through agreements between coastal states with clear sanctions for breaches, and that threatened species are protected through preservation and habitat protection. Monitoring of the regulations and protection against spreading of invasive species via ship hulls lies directly in that work. The plan also wants to give nature conservation a renaissance.
Original (Swedish)
Planen kräver att haven skyddas genom avtal mellan kuststaterna med tydliga sanktioner vid överträdelser, och att hotade arter skyddas genom fridlysning och biotopskydd. Uppföljning av regelverket och skydd mot spridning av invasiva arter via fartygsskrov ligger direkt i det arbetet. Planen vill dessutom ge naturvården en renässans.
- protection of the marine environmentdecisive»Sverige omges av hav som behöver skyddas genom avtal mellan alla kuststater.« (party programme ↗)“Sweden is surrounded by seas that need to be protected through agreements between all coastal states.”
- protection of threatened species»Hotade växter och djur ska skyddas genom fridlysning,« (party programme ↗)“Threatened plants and animals shall be protected through preservation,”
- strengthened nature conservation»Naturvården måste få en renässans.« (party programme ↗)“Nature conservation must have a renaissance.”
- marine environment needs action»Våra hav och vatten är i dåligt skick.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Our seas and waters are in poor condition.”
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.
The plan states that biological diversity is important for many reasons and a prerequisite for ecosystems' long-term productive capacity, which bears the requirement for developed protection against spread of invasive species.
Plan documents: party programme
Reasoning and quotes
The plan states that biological diversity is important for many reasons and a prerequisite for ecosystems' long-term productive capacity, which bears the requirement for developed protection against spread of invasive species. The precautionary principle requires extra caution in suspicion of irreversible environmental damage, which motivates monitoring of the regulatory framework and protection in the marine environment. That the most serious environmental threats are transboundary supports the requirement that authorities assist border control.
Original (Swedish)
Planen slår fast att den biologiska mångfalden är viktig av många skäl och en förutsättning för ekosystemens långsiktiga produktionsförmåga, vilket bär kravet på ett utvecklat skydd mot spridning av invasiva arter. Försiktighetsprincipen kräver extra försiktighet vid misstanke om oåterkallelig skada på miljön, vilket motiverar uppföljning av regelverket och skydd i havsmiljön. Att de allvarligaste miljöhoten är gränsöverskridande stöder kravet på att myndigheter bistår gränskontrollen.
- protect biological diversitydecisive»Att slå vakt om den biologiska mångfalden är viktigt av många skäl.« (party programme ↗)“To stand guard over biological diversity is important for many reasons.”
- precautionary principle»skada på miljön, måste extra försiktighet tillämpas.« (party programme ↗)“damage to the environment, extra caution must be applied.”
- transboundary environmental threats»De allvarligaste miljöhoten är globala eller storregionala.« (party programme ↗)“The most serious environmental threats are global or large-regional.”
- active preservation work»Bevarande av den biologiska mångfalden kräver både reservatsskydd i olika former och stor« (party programme ↗)“Preservation of biological diversity requires both reserve protection in various forms and great”
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.
The plan commits to strengthening joint Baltic work and protecting the marine environment, and it wants to give customs more resources and powerful authorities at the border.
Plan documents: 2022 manifesto
Reasoning and quotes
The plan commits to strengthening joint Baltic work and protecting the marine environment, and it wants to give customs more resources and powerful authorities at the border. Following up the regulations, strengthening border control support and developing protection against spread through hull fouling is in that direction. Invasive species are not mentioned in the plan, so the support is derived.
Original (Swedish)
Planen åtar sig att förstärka det gemensamma Östersjöarbetet och att skydda havsmiljön, och den vill ge tullen mer resurser och kraftfulla befogenheter vid gränsen. Att följa upp regelverket, stärka gränskontrollens stöd och utveckla skyddet mot spridning via fartygsskrov ligger i den riktningen. Invasiva arter nämns dock inte i planen, varför stödet härleds.
- stronger Baltic cooperationdecisive»Förstärka det gemensamma Östersjöarbetet för åtgärder mot övergödning och nedskräpning« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Strengthen joint Baltic work for measures against eutrophication and littering”
- stronger border control»Stärka tullen med mer resurser och kraftfulla befogenheter för att stoppa stöldligor och vapensmugglare« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Strengthen customs with more resources and powerful authorities to stop theft gangs and weapons smugglers”
- protect biological diversity»Vårda redan skyddad skog bättre för att stärka den biologiska mångfalden« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Care for already protected forest better to strengthen biological diversity”
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.
The counter-proposal wants to follow up the regulations against invasive alien species, strengthen border control support and develop protection of the marine environment.
Plan documents: 2022 manifesto
Reasoning and quotes
The counter-proposal wants to follow up the regulations against invasive alien species, strengthen border control support and develop protection of the marine environment. The election manifesto explicitly establishes that more must be done to prevent and solve problems with invasive plant and animal species and that the marine environment should be prioritised. The demand is therefore directly in the plan's commitment.
Original (Swedish)
Motförslaget vill följa upp regelverket mot invasiva främmande arter, stärka gränskontrollens stöd och utveckla skyddet i havsmiljön. Valmanifestet slår uttryckligen fast att mer måste göras för att förebygga och lösa problemen med invasiva växt- och djurarter och att havsmiljön ska prioriteras. Kravet ligger därmed direkt i planens åtagande.
- increased ambition against invasive speciesdecisive»Mer måste göras för att förebygga och lösa problemen med invasiva växt- och djurarter.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“More must be done to prevent and solve problems with invasive plant and animal species.”
- prevent invasive species»Förebygga och minska problem med invasiva växt- och djurarter« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Prevent and reduce problems with invasive plant and animal species”
- protection of the marine environment»Öka takten i arbetet med att återställa havsmiljön i Östersjön« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Increase the pace of work to restore the marine environment in the Baltic Sea”
- support to environmental work implementers»Kommunerna måste ges ökat stöd och hjälp i miljöarbetet.« (2022 manifesto ↗)“Municipalities must be given increased support and assistance in environmental work.”
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.
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Sources and documents
- The committee report on riksdagen.se (2025/26:MJU13)
- Committee report full text (HD01MJU13)
- Per-MP voting data (API)
- Case status (API)
Documents under consideration
- Motion 2025/26:1046 — Klimat- och miljöfrågor av Jamal El-Haj (-)
- Motion 2025/26:1121 — Åtgärder mot invasiva mördarsniglar (spansk skogssnigel) av Anne-Li Sjölund (C)
- Motion 2025/26:1124 — Urholkning av äganderätten av Ulrika Heie (C)
- Motion 2025/26:1185 — Myggbekämpning av Caroline Högström och Mikael Damsgaard (båda M)
- Motion 2025/26:1186 — Det orättvisa strandskyddet av Viktor Wärnick (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1275 — Avskaffande av strandskyddet av Josefin Malmqvist m.fl. (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1329 — Utsättning av myskoxe i den svenska fjällvärlden av Runar Filper (SD)
- Motion 2025/26:1389 — Ta vara på den småskaliga vattenkraften i Sverige av Sten Bergheden (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1440 — Långsiktig beredskap för myggbekämpningen och trygghet för de drabbade runt nedre Dalälven av Patrik Lundqvist m.fl. (S)
- Motion 2025/26:1453 — Möjlighet att ersätta befintlig byggnad inom strandskydd av Ann-Sofie Lifvenhage (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1458 — Från naturreservat till produktionsskog av Sten Bergheden (M)
- Motion 2025/26:149 — Lättnader i reglerna för skyddsjakt på gäss av Eric Palmqvist (SD)
- Motion 2025/26:1495 — Generellt undantag från strandskyddet i utflyttningskommuner av Eric Westroth (SD)
- Motion 2025/26:1521 — Förstärkt stöd för pollinatörer och kommunala åtgärder för biologisk mångfald av Emma Ahlström Köster (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1529 — Stärkt allemansrätt med ansvar - åtgärder mot nedskräpning och naturförstörelse av Emma Ahlström Köster (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1625 — Förslag om nationellt stöd till vattenverk för rening av PFAS från dricksvatten av Magnus Manhammar och Gustaf Lantz (båda S)
- Motion 2025/26:1652 — En flexiblare strandskyddslag av Ludvig Ceimertz (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1725 — Ny modell för strandskyddet av Larry Söder (KD)
- Motion 2025/26:1736 — Undantag från strandskyddet för bastubad av Marie Nicholson (M)
- Motion 2025/26:1856 — Tydligt ansvar och förstärkt hantering av parkslide och andra invasiva arter av Johan Büser och Dzenan Cisija (båda S)
Source: The Swedish Parliament