Sweden signs MoU with the United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities

Photo: Frida Drake/Government Offices of Sweden.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard and Erik Ramanathan, U.S. Ambassador to Sweden.

Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States aimed at countering foreign malign information influence activities and the spread of disinformation. This agreement is essential for enhancing cooperation and sharing experiences between Sweden and the US in this area.

“Foreign malign information influence activities and disinformation spread by foreign powers are a threat to our democratic societies and create mutual distrust,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard.

Foreign malign information influence activities that pose security threats, as foreign powers exploit societal vulnerabilities and areas of conflict to achieve their goals. The Swedish Government and its agencies are actively working to combat these threats and to build resilience against disinformation targeting Sweden.

“Actively working to counteract these security threats is a priority for the Government. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, information influence campaigns have no borders, and this Memorandum of Understanding with the US provides an important platform for closer international cooperation in this area,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard.

International collaboration and the exchange of best practices for countering these security threats and strengthening resilience are crucial. Sweden participates in several international networks focused on addressing foreign malign information influence activities and works closely with its Nordic neighbours and the European Union on these issues. Additionally, Sweden is an observer in the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism.

“Delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Sweden to strengthen our critical work in countering foreign disinformation and malign influence. Thank you, Minister Malmer Stenergard, for your partnership. This collaboration reinforces our shared commitment as NATO allies to safeguarding democratic values,” Erik Ramanathan, U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, posted on X after the signing ceremony.

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