After nearly ten years in Swedish and European foreign and security policy, Nicolina Nilsson has joined SWEBAL as Head of Government Affairs. With experience from, among other things, Ukraine, Russia and the European External Action Service, she will now work on the company's relations with government, authorities, the EU and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
What is your background?
I began my career in the Swedish Armed Forces and have since spent nearly ten years working on Swedish and European foreign and security policy. A large part of my career has focused on Ukraine and Russia, including service at the embassies in Kyiv, Yerevan, Moscow, the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) delegation, and most recently at the European External Action Service in Brussels.
Why did you choose to work in the defence sector?
My time in Ukraine gave me a very concrete reason why: security is ultimately created through the ability to defend oneself. Diplomacy and political decisions are crucial, but they must be followed by industrial capacity, functioning supply chains and access to the materiel required. Otherwise, ambitions remain on paper.
What made you accept the role as Head of Government Affairs at SWEBAL?
SWEBAL is in the middle of one of Europe's most decisive defence industrial issues: rebuilding the production of energetic materials needed for ammunition. I was drawn to the opportunity to combine my experience in politics and international relations with a concrete industrial project that can strengthen both Sweden's and Europe's supply capability.
What does your new position involve?
I am responsible for SWEBAL's relations with government, authorities, the EU, NATO and other strategic actors, as well as for translating political and regulatory changes into opportunities for the company. An important part is also bringing the industry's experience into policy development and building partnerships across the broad "Team Sweden", companies, politics, authorities, academia and regions.
What is at the top of your agenda for the next six months?
At the top of the agenda is creating the right conditions for SWEBAL to establish and start its production, thereby contributing the industrial breadth and depth required to scale up European ammunition manufacturing. I also want to help ensure that the Swedish defence industry takes a clearer place in policy development, drawing on its historical legitimacy, a unique knowledge base and a responsibility to help shape the defence of the future, for Sweden, the EU and NATO.