Swedish Prisoner Transfer Agreement with Estonia May Be Torn Up: "You Must Take Care of Your Own Trash"

In August, the first prisoners will be moved from Sweden to Estonia. Around thirty will be placed at a facility in Tartu. Eventually, several hundred inmates are to be transferred — but the question is whether the project will get that far, as Estonia is not particularly enthusiastic about the plans and there are already intentions to stop the project.

This week, the agreement between the Swedish and Estonian prison authorities will be signed, with one of the conditions being that no gang criminals are to be sent east.

By July 2027, up to 600 inmates are supposed to have been moved to Tartu. All belong to security class two — the second highest level in prisons.

In Estonia, however, the situation is not popular, and according to a survey, a majority — 54 percent — are opposed to the project. The opposition also has a political dimension, with elections coming up in March. If the opposition wins, they have promised to scrap the agreement with Sweden.

“Sweden gave us Pippi and IKEA meatballs, for which we are grateful. But you must take care of your own trash,” says Sandra Laur, politician of the opposition party Isamaa, to the national broadcaster.

Laur fears that prisoners from Sweden could tarnish Tartu’s reputation. She is also concerned about the emergence of parallel societies similar to those in Sweden, should prisoners’ relatives move there as well.

The contract with Sweden lasts five years and can be renewed for three-year periods after it expires. If terminated, there is a twelve-month notice period.

Social Conservative Party

Isamaa is a conservative and nationalist party in Estonia led by Urmas Reinsalu. The party has its roots in the Estonian independence movement and emphasizes national sovereignty, strong defense capabilities, and close cooperation with NATO. At the same time, Isamaa profiles itself as a socially conservative party focusing on family policy, lower taxes, and a more restrained immigration policy.

On migration issues, Isamaa wants to tighten control over immigration and restrict asylum and labor migration from outside Europe. The party has also advocated for stricter requirements for residence permits and citizenship, and emphasizes the importance of immigrants adapting to the Estonian language and culture.

As the security situation in the region has deteriorated, Isamaa has also pushed for significantly increased defense spending and stronger support for Ukraine.

Leading in the Polls

Economically, Isamaa is right-wing. The party wants to lower taxes, reduce public bureaucracy, and create better conditions for entrepreneurship. At the same time, it aims to strengthen support for families with children and counteract Estonia’s low birth rate through various family policy reforms.

In the latest opinion polls, Isamaa has been Estonia’s largest party, although support has slightly decreased during the spring and summer.