Sweden is currently seeking to expand its cemetery space as a precaution in the event of war. This initiative is led by burial associations responding to recommendations from the Church of Sweden, which align with crisis preparedness guidelines from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the Swedish Armed Forces. With Sweden’s recent accession to NATO and rising tensions in the Baltic Sea region, this planning has gained urgency.
According to the Church of Sweden’s guidelines, burial associations must ensure adequate land to bury up to five percent of a parish’s population if necessary. In Goteborg, Sweden’s second-largest city, the local burial association is tasked with securing at least 40,470 square meters for emergency burials, alongside 60,700 square meters for routine use. However, acquiring and developing such land could take up to a decade due to protracted approval processes.
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency emphasizes the importance of readiness for potential conflicts, a sentiment that has gained traction following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, Sweden has heightened its civil defense measures and distributed updated crisis preparedness guides akin to those in Denmark and Norway.
Sweden has maintained a neutral stance since the early 19th century, including during World War II. However, recent geopolitical shifts have prompted a reevaluation of this policy, culminating in Sweden’s decision to join NATO alongside Finland. As the country adapts to new security realities, authorities are keen to ensure that Sweden is prepared for any eventuality, including the demands of wartime burials.
