In the event of heightened readiness and ultimately war, it is a central task for the civil defence to protect the civilian population. An armed attack against Sweden with acts of war on our territory would lead to significant strains on the civilian population in several ways. Therefore, planning is needed for how the civilian population can be protected. The investigation has concluded the following:
The availability of shelters in Sweden is good, but a thorough review of the existing shelters is needed to detect and address faults and deficiencies. There is also a need for some new construction.
Relevant authorities such as the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), county administrative boards, and all municipalities in the country need to have a clear plan for the implementation of evacuation followed by accommodation in another location.
A state emergency organisation should be established to reinforce the municipal rescue services. Civil conscription needs to be reactivated, and the state emergency organisation should be staffed with conscripts.
SOU 2022:57 A strengthened protection for the civilian population during heightened readiness Despite much of the civil defence being dismantled over many years, there are still over 64,000 shelters with space for 7 million people in Sweden. This is a uniquely large number compared to the rest of the world and an important asset for civil defence.
– The civilian population always suffers greatly in connection with war, something we see clearly in Ukraine. The civil defence must have the capability to protect the population in Sweden. I therefore look forward to reviewing the investigation's proposals in this extremely important area, says the Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin.