Sweden has launched an official inquiry into the possibility of banning or restricting foreign funding of religious communities, aiming to address concerns about extremism and anti-democratic influence.
The initiative, backed by the Tidö parties, reflects growing political pressure to ensure that religious organizations and other groups in Sweden are not financially supported by sources promoting Islam extremism, Russian propaganda or other ideologies seen as a threat to Swedish democracy.
Government launches investigation into foreign financing
The Swedish Government has appointed a special investigator tasked with examining how to counteract or prohibit foreign financial support for religious communities and civil society organizations. According to Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (Moderaterna), the inquiry will propose a regulatory framework to prevent foreign actors from funding activities that could be linked to terrorist acts, sabotage, or violent extremism.
Strömmer emphasized, “We want different proposals, including the most stringent, a ban. But we are not anticipating the investigator’s judgment.” The inquiry will consider several options, including a complete ban on foreign funding if deemed necessary.
Shia mosque and Russian Orthodox Church among highlighted cases
Among the cases that prompted the inquiry is a Shia mosque outside Stockholm, which Swedish authorities have linked to the Iranian regime. This example, together with recent reports of Russian support for the Russian Orthodox Church (Moskva-patriarkatet) in Sweden, has raised alarm about external influence over Swedish religious life.
While much public debate has focused on Muslim organizations, Strömmer clarified that the investigation is not targeting any particular religion. He said,
“Yes, there are examples of mosques and a civil society around it. But also the so-called Moscow Patriarchate. This is not directed against a specific religion as such, but violent extremist views that can flourish in different contexts or, for that matter, in other organizations.”
Broader effort to combat anti-democratic influence
The move is part of a broader political strategy to counteract foreign attempts to influence Swedish society through financing and support for organizations with anti-democratic interests. Swedish authorities have expressed concern about foreign governments and non-state actors funding activities that encourage radicalization, extremism, or political violence.
The inquiry is a direct result of agreements among the Tidö parties and must present its proposals by May 29, 2026. Depending on the findings, Sweden could become one of the first European countries to implement a comprehensive ban or major restrictions on foreign funding of religious groups.
Foreign funding and extremism in Sweden
Several European countries have debated similar measures in recent years, amid rising concern about the role of foreign money in fostering radicalization and undermining democratic values. In Sweden, investigations have previously identified financial links between some religious communities and foreign actors—particularly from Iran and Russia—raising fears of influence campaigns and support for undemocratic activities.
If implemented, the new legislation could have significant implications for Sweden’s religious organizations, as well as for freedom of association and religious expression. The upcoming inquiry will have to balance these concerns, as well as Sweden’s commitments to human rights and religious freedom, with national security priorities.
The final proposals are expected to spark debate across Swedish society and within the broader Nordic context, as other regions watch closely how Sweden addresses the challenge of foreign funding and extremism.
