The Swedish government has announced its decision to provide over 1.6 billion Swedish kronor in additional funding for international aid, with a primary focus on supporting Ukraine. The total amount is approximately 150 million euros.
This is reported by Finway
Priority – Support for Ukraine and Humanitarian Aid
Minister for Development, Cooperation, and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dusa emphasized that there is a significant increase in humanitarian suffering in several regions, including Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Yemen. According to him, the global situation has become considerably more complicated following cuts to global aid programs by the United States.
“Therefore, Sweden has decided to step forward with a comprehensive reallocation of aid budget priorities for 2025. We are allocating 1.67 billion Swedish kronor (about 150 million euros – ed.) to support Ukraine and efforts to save lives worldwide. Sweden cannot cover the cuts from the U.S., but we must do everything possible to support Ukraine and save lives,” Dusa stated.
According to the new budget decisions, Ukraine and the surrounding areas remain a priority. At the same time, funding for other regional initiatives and thematic programs will be partially reduced. However, the government emphasizes that these changes do not affect previously signed agreements.
Change in Cooperation Strategy and Ukraine’s Role for Europe
Sweden plans to gradually move away from its regional aid strategy in Asia and Oceania, focusing instead on developing trade relations in the region rather than providing financial support.
The government highlighted that the decision to allocate additional funds is driven by the desire to continue supporting Ukraine, which is considered “existentially important” for all of Europe in Stockholm. As Benjamin Dusa noted, Ukraine remains the main priority in Sweden’s development and foreign policy. To counter Russia, which “does not hesitate to shell civilian infrastructure, schools, and hospitals,” Kyiv needs strong international support. According to the minister, Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom but also for the security of the European continent.
It is worth noting that in May, the Swedish government already announced a new military aid package for Ukraine amounting to 4.8 billion kronor (approximately 443 million euros).