After years of demands: Lobbying in Sweden to finally be made visible
- Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
07.04.2026 - The Swedish government’s proposal to introduce a lobbying register has received the backing of the Council on Legislation (Lagrådet), which concluded that there is a viable path forward for such a system. Movendi welcomes this announcement, viewing it as a vital first concrete step toward increasing transparency in Swedish policy-making, with implementation targeted for as early as next summer.
"This is an issue we have championed for a long time. A lobbying register is an essential first step to making the power dynamics surrounding political decisions more visible and to exposing the commercial interests that currently exert significant influence over policy," stated Kristina Sperkova, President of Movendi.
Many European Union member states already have similar legislation in place. Historically, Sweden has faced criticism from organizations such as the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body for its lack of regulatory oversight in this area.
Movendi (formerly comprised of the organizations IOGT-NTO, UNF, and Junis) has long advocated for heightened transparency regarding lobbying efforts. The organization notes that the scope of lobbying in Sweden is extensive, drawing parallels to Brussels, where organized influence from various commercial sectors has long been a central component of the political ecosystem.
According to Movendi, implementing a register does not have to be an overly complicated process, yet it would provide the public with much-needed clarity regarding organized political influence.
"We are now looking forward to the government’s proposition and to the Riksdag [Swedish Parliament] turning this proposal into reality. We also look forward to registering ourselves and continuing to advocate for a solidarity-based alcohol policy, where we can clearly expose who is attempting to influence decisions," Sperkova added.
Key Facts Regarding the Legislation:
Legislative Timeline: In June 2024, a parliamentary committee was appointed to investigate whether regulations demanding transparency in contacts between political decision-makers and lobbyists should be introduced, and how such a system should be designed and administered.
Scope of the Register: The government’s draft proposal (lagrådsremiss) mandates a transparency register that covers lobbying contacts with Members of Parliament, government ministers, and both political and non-political civil servants within the government.
Implementation: The proposed legislation is slated to enter into force on July 1, 2027. (A comparable register was recently introduced in neighboring Finland on January 1, 2024).
Current Status: Today, April 7, the government is scheduled to formally submit the proposition to the Riksdag for parliamentary processing before the summer recess.
