Sweden's Social Democratic Party wants new laws to block Russian property purchases and investments. The government should also push for an EU-wide visa ban on Russian tourists.
Former Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist leads this effort. He now chairs the parliamentary defense committee.
Hultqvist says Sweden needs a law regulating foreign property purchases. The main goal would be stopping Russian business deals.
He points to a study by the Swedish Defence University and Acta Publica. Their research found Russian-owned properties in northern Norrland and the Stockholm region. Some properties sit near military facilities.
Swedish security services and financial police identified problems too. They note interests linked to Russian organized crime in Sweden.
The proposed law could also address Chinese business interests.
Hultqvist heard the government plans legislation protecting ports, airports, and key infrastructure. He believes this does not go far enough. Sweden needs comprehensive legislation.
This move follows Finland's similar restrictions on foreign property ownership. Both Nordic nations share concerns about foreign influence near sensitive sites.
The proposal comes as Sweden strengthens its security posture amid regional tensions. The country recently joined NATO after decades of military non-alignment.
Russian tourism and investment bans would mark another step in Sweden's policy shift. The Nordic nation increasingly views Russia as a direct security threat.
Property ownership near military installations raises obvious security concerns. The government appears to be playing catch-up on an issue security services flagged earlier.