Sweden Finalizes Agreement to Rent 600 Prison Spaces in Estonia
Sweden signs an agreement to rent 600 prison places in Estonia to combat overcrowding.
Key Points
- • Sweden's prisons are currently 96% full, prompting the need for additional space.
- • The rental agreement involves sending inmates to Tartu Prison in Estonia.
- • Each inmate's placement will cost Sweden €8,500 per month, cheaper than domestic costs.
- • Political approval is needed, with skepticism emerging from the Social Democrats.
In a significant move to address overcrowding in its penal system, the Swedish government has reached an agreement to rent 600 prison spaces from Estonia, as announced on June 4, 2025. This decision comes at a critical time, with Swedish prisons experiencing an occupancy rate of 96%, necessitating urgent action to provide sufficient space for inmates.
The agreement will see Swedish inmates transferred to the Tartu Prison in southeastern Estonia, which can accommodate 600 prisoners through double occupancy in its 400 available rooms. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer emphasized that this initiative aims to relieve the burden on Sweden's criminal justice system and enhance public safety by restoring necessary infrastructure for handling inmates. The agreement stipulates that only male inmates over the age of 18, deemed as low security risks and without extensive medical care needs, will be eligible for relocation.
Estonian law will govern the operations at Tartu Prison; however, adjustments are being made to align with Swedish standards. Importantly, the cost of this arrangement will be €8,500 per month per inmate, significantly lower than the average housing cost in Sweden, which is estimated at about €11,500 per month. This financial aspect appears to be a favorable point for the agreement, potentially easing concerns about costs associated with the initiative.
However, parliamentary approval is required for the deal to proceed, necessitating a three-quarters majority vote. While Justice Minister Strömmer is optimistic, the Social Democrats have expressed skepticism regarding the agreement, raising questions about its ultimate passage through parliament. Henrik Vinge from the Sweden Democrats remains hopeful that discussions will lead to a positive resolution and that support will coalesce by next spring.
Implementation of the agreement is targeted for July 1 of next year, pending the necessary legislative approvals. As Sweden navigates this pivotal change in its criminal justice strategy, the focus remains on balancing the operational transition with the need to uphold standards befitting Swedish inmates.
This arrangement marks a significant step in addressing the urgent challenges of prison overcrowding in Sweden, while also fostering international cooperation in criminal justice management.
For further details, you can read more about it at [ETC](https://www.etc.se/inrikes/sverige-ska-hyra-600-faengelseplatser-av-estland) and [Publikt](https://www.publikt.se/nyhet/sverige-har-skrivit-avtal-om-fangelseplatser-i-estland-27169).