Sweden and Finland are taking a major step toward strengthening their joint civil defense capabilities by developing a coordinated evacuation plan to be activated in the event of a severe crisis or military attack. The Swedish Government has formally tasked the Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency) with leading the initiative in close collaboration with Finnish authorities.
The objective of the plan is clear: to safeguard the civilian population under extreme conditions. According to Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M), the effort reflects the deepening security cooperation between the two Nordic neighbors.
“If the worst were to happen, Sweden and Finland should have all available means to defend our respective countries and protect the civilian population,” said Bohlin.
A Nordic response to new NATO realities
The decision comes at a time of intensified defense integration following Sweden’s accession to NATO in March 2024. As allies, Sweden and Finland are expected to coordinate not only their military strategies but also their civil preparedness and population protection plans. A robust, cross-border evacuation framework is seen as an essential part of this alignment.
MSB‘s new assignment will include developing operational logistics for large-scale evacuations, harmonizing emergency communication systems, and ensuring rapid civilian mobility across the Swedish-Finnish border. Authorities will also assess evacuation routes and shelter availability in both countries.
Increased preparedness amid heightened regional tension
The move reflects growing concerns about regional instability in Northern and Eastern Europe. With increased Russian military activity around the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions, both Finland and Sweden have accelerated their efforts to reinforce national resilience. Finland, which shares a 1,340 km (832 mi) border with Russia, has long maintained a comprehensive civil defense system. Sweden is now boosting its own efforts to match NATO standards.
According to recent Government statements, the joint evacuation plan will not only cover wartime scenarios but also natural disasters, cyberattacks, and large-scale disruptions to critical infrastructure.
Next steps and timeline
While no official timeline has been confirmed, MSB is expected to begin consultations with its Finnish counterparts within the coming months. The project will also involve local municipalities, the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten), and emergency services to ensure that the plan is viable across various scenarios.
As part of the wider NATO civil preparedness framework, the plan is expected to become a model for other cross-border partnerships in the region.
