Swedish Security Service lowers terrorist threat level

Sweden has lived with an elevated or high terrorist threat for some time. In late 2010 the terrorist threat level was raised from level 2 to level 3. The level was raised to 4 in November 2015 and lowered again in March 2016. The threat level then remained at 3 until August 2023. Since 17 August 2023 the terrorist threat has been at level 4 – a high threat. 

Now the Swedish Security Service has decided to lower it to 3 – an elevated threat.

The terrorist threat level was raised in August 2023 due to a significantly deteriorated security situation. Sweden had gone from being a legitimate target to becoming a prioritised target for violent extremism. Swedish Government agencies have now made the assessment that Sweden is no longer a designated target. 

“It is good news that the Swedish Security Service now makes the assessment that the terrorist threat against Sweden has decreased. The combined actions from many actors in our society have yielded results. But the situation is still serious. Nothing is more important to me than the security of Sweden and Swedish citizens. Our work to make Sweden safer continues unabated and undiminished,” says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

“The terrorist threat level is still elevated, and the security situation remains serious. The government’s and government agencies’ work to combat terrorism proceeds with unabated strength. The general public should follow the same advice as before, live as usual but remain alert. Contact the authorities if something seems unusual, question information sources, and do not contribute to the spreading of rumours,” says Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer. 

The national terrorist threat level is set by the head of the Swedish Security Service. The decision is informed by a comprehensive analysis, largely based on the assessment made by the National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment, a permanent working group with personnel from the National Defence Radio Establishment, the Military Intelligence and Security Service and the Swedish Security Service. The threat assessment is strategic and is not changed by individual circumstances. 

Changes to the terrorist threat level is mainly directed at government agencies, municipalities and other societal actors, which, based on the current situation, will take the necessary measures to enable people to carry on their daily lives as normal.

In conjunction with the terrorist threat level being raised inmid-2023, the Government adopted a number of important measures to prevent and combat terrorism. To further strengthen the efforts, last year the Government adopted a comprehensive national strategy against violent extremism and terrorism. The Government and agencies are continuously assessing the need for new measures.