Swedish criminals will begin serving their sentences in Estonia this summer 0 10

The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) approved an agreement with Estonia for the rental of places in Estonian prisons for Swedish prisoners. This was reported by the press service of the legislative body on June 3. The decision was supported by a broad majority of deputies, which will allow Swedish court sentences to be temporarily served outside the country.

The agreement between Stockholm and Tallinn was signed on June 18, 2025, and aims to address the issue of overcrowding in Swedish correctional facilities. According to the agreement, the responsibility for the maintenance of prisoners will be assigned to the Estonian Prison and Probation Service.

Since the document involves the transfer of some state powers to another country, its approval required the support of at least three-quarters of the deputies. The necessary majority was secured, in part, thanks to the votes of the Social Democrats.

After the agreement comes into force, up to 600 convicted individuals from Sweden will be able to be held in the prison in the city of Tartu. The new provisions of the legislation will take effect on July 3, 2026.

The duration of the agreement will be five years with the possibility of extension for another three years.

For the agreement to come into full effect, it also requires ratification by the Estonian Parliament. A vote in the Riigikogu is scheduled for June 10. After that, the document will be sent for the president's signature.

Then, a preparatory phase will begin, including organizational activities, recruitment and training of personnel, as well as establishing interaction between the penitentiary services of the two countries. It is expected that the first prisoners will arrive at the Tartu prison as early as August.

According to ERR, individuals convicted of terrorism, as well as those who may continue criminal activities while in custody, will not be sent to Estonia. Additionally, the agreement does not apply to women and minors.

It is anticipated that adult men convicted of crimes against persons and drug-related offenses will serve their sentences in Tartu.

All costs for the maintenance of foreign prisoners will be borne by Sweden. After completing their sentences or prior to their release, all convicted individuals will be returned to their homeland. They will not be released on the territory of Estonia.

The agreement between Sweden and Estonia has become one of the most unusual examples of cooperation in the field of punishment enforcement in Europe. Stockholm hopes to partially address the issue of prison overcrowding in this way, while Tallinn will receive additional funding and the opportunity to use the existing penitentiary infrastructure more effectively.