Sweden Justitiedepartementet

Sweden Proposes Lowering Age of Criminal Responsibility to 13 Years

The Swedish government has submitted Proposition 2025/26:246 to the Riksdag proposing sweeping reforms to youth criminal law. Key measures include lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 13 years for serious crimes under a five-year pilot period, fully abolishing youth sentencing reductions for young adults aged 18–20, reducing such reductions for offenders under 18 while raising the maximum prison term to 18 years, tightening youth surveillance (ungdomsövervakning) conditions, and strengthening enforcement for youth care and youth service sentences. The proposed changes are slated to take effect on 2 August 2026. If enacted, these reforms would substantially expand the Swedish criminal justice system's reach into younger populations and increase penalties for youth offenders.

Sweden Ratifies Ukraine Compensation Convention, Prop. 2025/26:232

The Swedish Government proposes that the Riksdag approve Sweden's accession to the Convention on the Establishment of an International Compensation Commission for Ukraine. The Convention was adopted on December 16, 2025 and signed by Sweden the same day. Under the Convention, the compensation commission and certain individuals shall be granted immunity and certain privileges. The proposal includes amendments to the law on immunity and privileges in certain cases.

Sweden's Accession to Extended Partial Agreement for Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine Prop. 2025/26:231

The Swedish Government submitted Proposition 2025/26:231 to the Riksdag on April 17, 2026, requesting approval for Sweden to join the Extended Partial Agreement governing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine. The Tribunal was established in June 2024 through a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe. Member states that join the agreement are obligated to pay annual fees through the Council of Europe and gain formal membership in the Tribunal.