Sweden extends border controls, citing Russian threat for the first time

The Swedish government has extended its decision on controls at borders with countries of the Schengen area, the zone of passport-free travel in Europe. The extension runs for six months and, for the first time, is explained by security threats stemming from Russia's war against Ukraine, according to the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

The decision followed a security assessment that identified a serious threat to public order and internal security. In its statement, the government said the assessment is based mainly on the grave security situation created by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It said this has produced hybrid threats from hostile actors who move and operate within the Schengen area.

What the controls are for

Swedish authorities explain that internal border controls are one of the measures needed to counter serious threats to the country's internal security, and that they are introduced in line with EU-wide legislation. The measure gives law enforcement the tools and conditions to identify people entering the country who may threaten public order and internal security.

As before, the Swedish police will decide on their own where and how border checks are carried out. The intensity and nature of the controls will be adjusted as far as necessary to maintain public order and internal security.

Timing and earlier decisions

The new decision takes effect on 12 November, when the previous one expires, and will remain in force until 11 May 2027. On previous occasions, the Swedish government did not cite a threat from Russia, using instead general wording about a serious threat to public order and internal security.

Stockholm also noted that several other Schengen states have reintroduced internal border controls, including France, Germany, Norway and Denmark.