Sweden and Poland: Baltic neighbors need each other

Sweden and Poland, as Baltic neighbors, share a critical responsibility for regional security, particularly in the face of perceived threats from Russia. Both nations agree on the necessity for Europe to assume greater control over its own defense.

As robust economies with skilled workforces, Sweden and Poland can foster growth and prosperity for their citizens through collaboration. Within the European Union, they have a mutual interest in a well-functioning, competitive internal market with streamlined regulations for businesses, alongside maintaining a secure and well-protected external border.

This shared vision has made closer ties with Poland a priority for Sweden. Since the signing of an updated strategic partnership in autumn 2024, cooperation between the two countries has accelerated. High-level political engagement has been intense, with numerous ministerial visits and delegations from both parliaments and state institutions traveling between the nations. The Swedish royal couple's state visit in March, accompanied by a large business delegation, further underscored the deepening relationship.

Defense and security are key drivers of this collaboration. The selection of Sweden as a partner country for Poland's Orka submarine program has been warmly welcomed in Stockholm, marking an unprecedented level of cooperation in the maritime sector and opening new avenues for the defense industry. Other examples include Sweden's acquisition of the Piorun portable air defense system and Poland's use of the Swedish AEW 340 airborne radar system, alongside the integration of the Swedish Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system into the Polish Armed Forces.

This burgeoning cooperation extends to the defense industry, with Swedish firms like Recas, Nordic Air Defence, and Saab establishing or expanding partnerships with Polish companies such as Tantalit, WB Group, and PGZ. These collaborations are projected to be worth 100 million euros. In the related field of energy and civil defense, Ericsson and PGE, as well as ABB and PSE, are intensifying their industrial cooperation. Scania, Ekoenergetyka-Polska, Ekoen, OX2, and Or are also developing their partnerships.