Defence policy bill: A Changing World - A Reformed Defence
;The proposal for an extensive restructuring of Sweden's total defence which the Government is now presenting to the Riksdag will provide this country with a modern, well equipped and satisfactory defence into the next century. It is a decision that takes into consideration the revolutionary security policy changes taking place in the surrounding world and draws conclusions for our total defence. ;The Government bill "A Changing World - A Reformed Defence" is based on the Defence Commission's analysis of security policy and the conclusions of the security policy review. ;The basic principles of the 1996 defence programme stand firm. Sweden's total defence will continue to be based on a broadened security concept and a comprehensive view of threats and risks, a capacity to adapt to changed threat scenarios, a democratic popular defence and the importance of international responsibility. ;The Government and the Centre Party, who were the initiators of the 1996 defence agreement also agree on all parts of this bill. Both parties take responsibility for the major restructuring of the total defence and this first step towards a new defence programme for the period 2002-2004. ;Comment by the Minister of Defence, Mr Björn von Sydow: 'Sweden's defence is modern and strong. However, in spite of two defence programmes during the 1990s following the end of the cold war, we have not yet reaped the full security policy benefits.' ;'The present Swedish defence system represents defence against invasion. This must now be replaced by an organisation chiefly designed to uphold Sweden's territorial integrity, defend this country against attacks from the air and other types of more restricted attacks and also protect the country from the serious consequences of attacks on the infrastructure, during the next decade. The new organisation should strengthen our capacity to participate in international secu urity cooperation.' ;'The changeover to a new military defence organisation will take time and must therefore commence during the current defence programme period and be implemented as soon as possible. We will ensure the provision of expertise in areas needed in the future and at the same time phase out the types of military units whose only tasks are to meet a large-scale invasion.' ;'We will guarantee a capacity to adapt defence resources if the situation in the surrounding world should change in the future. Through a developed intelligence service and research, improved planning for alternatives, less binding commitments and extended cooperation for the supply of military equipment, the Government wants to strengthen Sweden's ability to adapt its defence capability. We will invest in knowledge in areas that are important for the future. We will dispense with areas that are no longer needed.' ;'The Government considers it reasonable, on the basis of the changed threat scenario, to reduce total defence expenses during the next defence programme period, 2002-2004, by SEK 4 billion each year.' ;'In order to accomplish this restructuring of our defence system and sort out the economic problems of the Armed Forces during the current defence programme period, an adjustment contribution of SEK 3 billion will be appropriated in the year 2002 and SEK 1 billion in 2003.
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Defence policy bill: A Changing World - A Reformed Defence
