The USA is to have unimpeded access to 17 Swedish military bases. This is what the defence agreement entails.
1. Access to Swedish bases
At the Swedish military bases, the USA will, among other things, be able to station military personnel, store defence equipment, refuel aircraft, and conduct exercises.
No new American bases will be established, but the USA will have access to existing facilities. However, the USA will be allowed to build its own buildings on the bases and may also be granted sole access to part of a facility, with the right to control access.
The Defence Forces will be informed about what equipment and quantities are to be pre-positioned and stored on the bases.
American military vehicles, ships, and aircraft will simultaneously be able to move freely on Swedish territory and will not be boarded or controlled without the consent of the USA.
2. Military personnel
It is unclear how many American military personnel will be stationed at the facilities and for how long.
In addition to military personnel, this may also include civilian personnel, such as family members, suppliers, and personnel accompanying the forces and responsible for social activities.
The agreement states that the American forces may establish facilities such as shops, mess halls, and social centres at designated locations.
The USA also has the right to take measures to maintain order and protect personnel in the areas used by American forces.
3. Subject to American law
The American forces will be subject to American legislation.
Critics have expressed concern that perpetrators may thus go unpunished if they commit an act that is illegal in Sweden but legal in the USA.
However, Sweden can "take back" the right to prosecute American personnel if it is deemed to be of particular importance to Sweden. What this is will be up to Swedish authorities to determine. In making this assessment, the severity of the crime, the circumstances surrounding the crime, and who the victim and perpetrator are will be taken into account, according to the government.
4. Some concern in the municipalities
In some areas, concern is being expressed in the municipalities about the agreement. This includes concerns that local residents will not have access to popular natural areas, that there will be increased waste, and that there will be "social tensions between American troops and local residents".
Other concerns are that false information will be spread in the municipality in order to create uncertainty and destabilise, and that the threat level will increase in municipalities where American military bases are established.
