The Swedish government has appointed a special inquiry to analyse the extent to which conscripts can be used in operations and other activities within NATO's collective deterrence and defence. The mandate is issued through a committee directive from the Ministry of Defence, published on 31 March 2026.
– The purpose is to ensure regulation that is adapted to defence and security needs and that enables fulfilment of Sweden's commitments as a NATO ally, with regard to the rights and freedoms of the individual, writes the Ministry of Defence in a press release.
The inquiry is to ensure that legislation is adapted to Sweden's defence and security needs and enables the country to fulfil its commitments as a NATO ally, whilst taking into account the rights and freedoms of the individual.
The investigator is tasked with, among other things, analysing the need to deploy conscripts in NATO's defence across the full spectrum of conflict — both in situations where the government has decided on readiness or wartime service, and in situations where no such decision has been made. The mandate also includes setting out the legal conditions for the use of conscripts, both during basic training and after the completion of training, as well as submitting proposals for any legislative amendments.
A reference group comprising representatives from all parliamentary parties will be attached to the inquiry.
The mandate is to be reported no later than 26 April 2027.