Sweden's decision to halt its 95-year-old state support for peace organizations such as IKFF, the Christian Peace Movement, and Swedish Peace has sparked significant concern.

The move, affecting an annual budget of slightly more than 20 million SEK, seems to undermine a long-standing tradition of promoting peace and democratic dialogue, rather than being a financial necessity given the country's defense budget has nearly doubled to 119 billion SEK.

Critics argue that the cut in funding, which also includes a reduction in contributions to the UN's peacebuilding fund, may weaken the role of these organizations in fostering a society free of violence and oppression, and maintaining a lively democratic debate on defense matters.

In a related context, the readiness of Sweden's healthcare system for a potential conflict post-pandemic is also questioned, with concerns raised about the lack of preparedness and support infrastructure for crisis situations.

These developments come amid Sweden's ongoing NATO membership process, which obligates the country to prepare for the collective defense under Article 5, suggesting that even with NATO's security guarantees, Sweden must be ready to support other member states and potentially receive their support in the event of a conflict.