SWEDEN

Sweden, long considered one of the safest and most egalitarian countries in Europe, has been facing a growing security crisis in recent years, marked by a surge in armed violence and increasing political polarisation.

Since 2021, Sweden has held the European record for firearm-related homicides. In 2024, the country recorded over 370 shootings, often linked to gang-related conflicts. The outskirts of Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg are particularly affected, in a context of drug trafficking, community tensions, and ethnic rivalries (Somalis, Syrians, Afghans).

Violence has now spread beyond sensitive areas, with grenade attacks and street assassinations. Swedish intelligence services have also warned of growing collusion between organised crime and terrorist networks, although no major attack has occurred since 2023.
The rise in violence is fuelling criticism of Sweden’s social model, based on integration, egalitarianism, and neutrality. The increasing popularity of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats (SD) is reshaping the political landscape.

Qur’an burnings and Islamophobic provocations by far-right activists have triggered waves of protest in Muslim countries and prompted Swedish authorities to raise the terrorism threat level. The country was explicitly named as a target by Al-Qaeda following an attack on Swedes in Brussels at the end of 2023.

The migration issue remains central: around 20% of the population is of foreign origin, and perceived integration failures are feeding an increasingly security-focused discourse.

Sweden’s major cities, especially Stockholm and Malmö, require increased vigilance, particularly in some outer districts, at night, or during political or religious events.

Travellers should avoid gatherings, refrain from filming or photographing sensitive sites (mosques, police stations, etc.), and steer clear of incidents with a communal dimension.

The terrorist threat level remains high, though not critical. Precautionary measures are strongly recommended for diplomats, journalists, NGOs, and expatriates residing in the country.