Tidöpartierna Push for Ban on Foreign Ownership of Swedish Schools Amid Security Concerns
The Tidöpartierna coalition urges a fresh investigation into banning foreign ownership of Swedish schools citing security risks and EU legal complexities.
- • Tidöpartierna coalition calls for a renewed probe into foreign ownership of schools.
- • The Liberals have been the chief advocates for the ban.
- • A prior investigation raised legal doubts under EU market rules.
- • FOI report warns of risks from foreign adversaries influencing schools.
Key details
The Swedish Tidöpartierna coalition — comprising the Liberals, Moderates, Sweden Democrats, and Christian Democrats — is advocating for a renewed investigation into banning foreign ownership of schools, especially targeting entities outside the EU and EEA. The push is driven by national security concerns, with party representatives emphasizing that Swedish schools should not become a conduit for foreign interests to influence Swedish society or conduct espionage.
Education and Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson (L), Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand (M), Sweden Democrats' education spokesperson Patrick Reslow, and Christian Democrats' spokesperson Mathias Bengtsson jointly authored the call in Svenska Dagbladet.
This initiative follows a previous investigation on stricter regulations for independent schools, which raised doubts about the legality of a general ban under EU internal market rules. The inquiry suggested that the objectives might be achieved via existing laws regulating foreign direct investments.
The coalition's stance is backed by a report from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) warning that foreign adversaries could invest in Swedish schools to influence democratic society or surveil diaspora communities.
The debate underscores the importance of ensuring Swedish schools remain free from foreign political or security influence, reinforcing calls for reexamining policies in line with both national security priorities and EU regulations.