EUPopLink Country report - Sweden

This paper examines the historical trajectory and contemporary transformation of Euroscepticism and populism within the Swedish political landscape. Sweden became a full member of the European Union (EU) in 1995. However, while traditional parties such as the Centre Party, the Liberal Party, and the Christian Democrats continue to advocate for European integration and supranational cooperation, the emergence of populist movements has significantly altered the national discourse.

The research highlights a critical shift from traditional, sovereignty-based Euroscepticism to a modern form of populism driven by neoliberal economic shifts, migration challenges, and domestic security concerns. A focal point of this analysis is the rise of the Sweden Democrats (SD), which entered parliament in 2010 and achieved a historic breakthrough in the 2022 general elections. As the second-largest party, the SD now exerts substantial influence over socio-economic and migration policies through the Tidö agreement with the governing coalition.

The analysis concludes that Sweden currently faces a dualistic future. First path is characterized by a “soft” Euroscepticism focused on environmental and human rights reforms, and the second path is defined by far-right extremism that challenges the fundamental principles of the EU. The transformative impact of the SD suggests that Swedish populism is no longer a peripheral phenomenon but a central force reshaping both national identity and EU affairs.

Since joining the European Union in 1995, Sweden’s relationship with the bloc has been defined by a complex tug-of-war between international cooperation and national scepticism. Swedish politics is currently split between Europhile (pro-EU) and Eurosceptic (anti-EU or critical) forces.

The pro-EU Parties such as the Centre Party, Liberal Party, and Christian Democrats advocate for deeper integration, focusing on free trade, environmental standards, and collective security. However, the Eurosceptic and populist parties such as the Left Party and the Sweden Democrats (SD) have historically challenged the EU’s authority.

The most significant shift in Swedish politics occurred in the 2000s with the emergence of the SD. The party entered parliament in 2010 and became the second-largest political force in 2022. Unlike traditional Euroscepticism, which was often based on sovereignty, modern Swedish populism is driven by concerns over neoliberal economics, migration, and rising crime.

Today, Sweden stands at a crossroads. One path leads toward a “soft” Euroscepticism that seeks to reform the EU based on human rights and the environment. The other path, driven by far-right momentum, moves toward nationalistic policies that fundamentally challenge the EU’s founding principles. The SD’s current role as a key government supporter ensures that their transformative influence on migration and socio-economic policy will remain a central feature of Swedish and European affairs for years to come.

The present country report was prepared as part of the EUPopLink COST Action ¹ following the EUPopLink Theoretical Framework and guidelines. ²