As Sweden enters 2026, one of the country’s most important emergency preparedness agencies is making a clear statement. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) is changing its name to the Agency for Civil Defence—a shift that, according to the Director General, is about preparing the Swedish public for war.

The background is a deteriorating security situation described as the “most serious.” According to the government, an armed conflict can no longer be considered merely a theoretical risk, but is now something likely.

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Director General Mikael Frisell emphasizes that the agency strives for open and clear communication about the security situation. According to him, it is important that the public understands how serious the situation is, while also realizing that there are concrete actions each individual can take to prepare themselves, their families, and their workplaces.

The name change is therefore intended to make the agency’s role more understandable, both for other actors in total defense and for the general public.

“Now, we are more focused on preparing society for war,” the Director General told TT.

The name change will formally take effect on January 1, 2026. The agency’s duties will not change overnight, but the main focus of the mission becomes clearer. The agency will be the leading actor tying together all aspects of civil defense.

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This entails responsibility for leading, directing, and coordinating preparations for crises, heightened preparedness, and ultimately war—in close cooperation with both the military defense and other civil actors.

In its communications, the leadership does not hesitate to use language about preparing the Swedish people and society for war. This is happening even though neither NATO nor, for that matter, the EU is formally at war with, for example, Russia.

At the same time, there are international efforts to reduce the level of conflict, with the USA—including President Donald Trump—working to normalize relations with Russia and pursue a peace solution in Ukraine.

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But according to MSB, or now the Agency for Civil Defence, it is important to focus on war, and a central part of the work going forward is rebuilding civil conscription. As early as next year, young people may be called up for training, primarily focused on rescue services, in connection with the draft.

At the same time, the agency has developed new plans for the protection of the civilian population—the first since the 1990s. In this work, 128 municipalities have been identified as particularly vulnerable in the event of an attack.

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According to the Director General, the agency is currently in an intensive build-up phase. Mikael Frisell stresses the importance of having gained momentum, especially in light of how serious he assesses the current world situation to be.

New Logo Introduced

In connection with the agency’s new profile, the current logo is being replaced by a heraldic emblem that is intended to signal a greater role and a clearer defense focus. According to the Director General, the details of the new emblem are significant for Sweden’s resilience.

“It is resilient. Robust. I perceive that it has been well received. It looks good and sends the signal we want it to send,” the Director General told TT.

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