Criticism Mounts Against Carl Bildt's Proposed Intelligence Agency

Carl Bildt's recent proposal for a new civil intelligence agency in Sweden has come under substantial scrutiny from influential figures, including the Chief of Defence, Micael Bydén. Announced on September 17, 2025, critics argue that the establishment of this agency poses operational and political risks to the military and national security.

Chief of Defence Bydén voiced serious concerns, particularly regarding the potential implications for military operations and the extent to which the new agency might encroach upon defense responsibilities. Experts have further warned that if the agency becomes politically controlled, it could compromise the effectiveness and impartiality necessary for intelligence work. This worry reflects a broader anxiety about the balance of power and accountability in an area critical to national interests.

The push for a new intelligence agency has raised alarms among security analysts who advocate for maintaining clear separations between military and civilian intelligence operations. Some argue that the proposal might lead to increased politicization of intelligence assessments, which could weaken trust in the agency’s findings. As the debate unfolds, the implications of this proposal will likely dominate discussions about Sweden's national security policy and its future intelligence landscape.

The current status of the proposal is uncertain as opposition grows, echoing calls for a reevaluation of how intelligence capabilities should be structured in Sweden's evolving security context.