Sweden to create new foreign intelligence agency

Sweden announced in May 2026 the creation of the Utrike underrattelsetjanst (UND), or Foreign Intelligence Service, a civilian spy agency modeled after Britain's MI6.

The UND will oversee covert operations previously handled by the military intelligence service MUST, including the Special Collection Office for agents abroad.

The agency was proposed by former prime minister Carl Bildt to address Sweden's failure to anticipate Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, blamed on lack of civilian political analysis.

Parliament is expected to approve the plan on August 13, 2026, with the UND starting work in January 2027, ahead of September elections.

Some opposition parties and armed forces warn the creation timeline may be too rushed, but there is broad agreement on the need for a civilian foreign intelligence service.