Sweden announced its support for Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara on January 19, a move that signals a shift in the country’s longstanding position on the disputed territory. The decision comes after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution in October 2025 that opened a potential path toward resolving the decades-long conflict.
The change in stance has drawn criticism from some left-leaning Swedish lawmakers with ties to the Polisario Front, who have sought clarification from Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard regarding the government’s decision.
“Thanks to the resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council in October 2025 on Western Sahara, we are in an unprecedented situation, where a possible solution to this long-standing and intractable conflict is within reach,” Stenergard explained in a response to inquiries.
According to the Foreign Minister, “This resolution marks a turning point by highlighting Morocco’s autonomy plan as a credible basis for negotiations and a broader UN process led by the UN Special Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. After 50 years of conflict and humanitarian crisis, a sustainable solution is more than welcome. Sweden wants to get involved and contribute to this solution. In light of the UN resolution, Sweden therefore expresses its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a credible basis for negotiations between the parties.”
Stenergard as well revealed that Swedish officials have held discussions with representatives from both the Polisario Front and Algeria to convey the country’s position. The move underscores Sweden’s commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Swedish Foreign Minister emphasized that this repositioning aligns with a broader European trend. “By changing our position, we are joining a large majority of other European Union countries, including our neighbors, Denmark and Finland, who have already adopted a similar position,” she stated.
This shift represents a significant departure from Sweden’s previous considerations, as in 2016 the country was reportedly close to recognizing the “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.”
