Preparing for War, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency Changed Its Name 0 12

Starting January 1, 2026, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency changed its name to the Swedish Civil Defense Agency. According to the agency's director general, the name change reflects a clearer focus on preparing Sweden for war.

"We are now more focused on preparing society for war than for disasters or natural catastrophes," said the director general of the still-existing Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), Mikael Frizell.

Although the agency's tasks remain the same in practice, the new entity will have a clearer mandate as a coordinating force within civil defense. Frizell emphasizes that the current basis for planning is the requirements of war.

"We start from the worst-case scenario - war. We believe that then we can also handle ordinary crises," said Mikael Frizell.

This agency will play a central role in the resumption of civil conscription. As early as 2026, young Swedes may be called to civil service, primarily in emergency services.

Sweden is preparing to protect its population in the event of war. Since 2024, the country has invested around seven million seven hundred thousand euros in modernizing shelters built during World War II and the Cold War.

There are about 64,000 bunkers in the kingdom. This is just one of them. It is located in the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. The Igeldamm parking lot looks like an ordinary underground parking garage carved into the rock. But during a full-scale conflict, it can serve as a shelter for 1,200 people.

Anders Johannesson, a shelter specialist at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency: "It (the shelter) can withstand an explosion, debris impact, everything that accompanies an explosion. Moreover, it is airtight, so it will not let in biogas, chemical gas, or even radioactive waste."

The reconstruction of Igeldamm was completed in September, and the modernization of 24 out of 80 other major shelters is still ongoing. According to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the modernization process, which includes replacing diesel generators and updating air filters, may take two to three years. The government hopes that increased funding will help expedite it.