Sweden and the Development of the European Security and Defence Policy: A Bi-Directional Process of Europeanisation. College of Europe EU Diplomacy Paper 5/2008, July 2008

Since its creation in 1999, the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) has evolved rapidly. This new policy area presented Sweden, a once neutral state, with a challenge to its security policy tradition. In responding to this new security context, Sweden was initially reluctant about the ESDP but has today become one of its staunchest supporters and active members. By examining Sweden’s participation in the ESDP since its inception, the paper seeks to answer what impact Sweden has had on the ESDP, but also to what extent the ESDP has influenced Swedish security policy. Furthermore, the paper seeks to shed light on why Sweden has become so active and supportive of the ESDP despite the initial reluctance. Applying the multidimensional model of Europeanisation put forward by Reuben Wong and carried out primarily through conducting interviews with key officials, the paper argues that Sweden has embarked on a rather spectacular journey, from be-ing a sceptical and hesitant participant to being one of its main driving forces. While the ESDP has had a major influence on Sweden’s security policy and engendered several changes and adaptations at the domestic level, the paper, however, also argues that Sweden has had a major impact on shaping the current character of the ESDP. As for the reasons behind Swedish activism in the ESDP, it is argued that it was the opportunity to influence the development of the ESDP, including pushing it to reflect Swedish interests, that has been the main driving force. Hence, the paper points to an interwoven relation between European and domestic levels that con-firms the bi-directional character of the process of Europeanisation