NordenBladet — On Tuesday 20 March, an Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs was held at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. The Council is a consultation group between the Riksdag and the Swedish Government, presided over by The King. The Council consists of the Speaker and nine other members from the Riksdag, together with nine deputies.

The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs is convened by the Government. According to the Swedish Constitution, “The Government shall keep the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs continuously informed of those matters relating to foreign relations which may be of significance for the Realm, and shall confer with the Council concerning these matters as necessary.”

The Crown Princess attends the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs.


The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs in Queen Lovisa Ulrika’s Dining Hall at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. Photo: Henrik Garlöv/Royalcourt.se

The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs in the Swedish Constitution:

§11 The Government shall keep the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs continuously informed of those matters relating to foreign relations which may be of significance for the Realm, and shall confer with the Council concerning these matters as necessary. In all foreign policy matters of major significance, the Government shall confer with the Council, if possible, before making its decision.

§12 The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs consists of the Speaker and nine other members elected by the Riksdag from among its members. More detailed rules concerning the composition of the Council are laid down in the Riksdag Act.

The Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs is convened by the Government. The Government is obliged to convene the Council if at least four members of the Council request consultations on a particular matter. Meetings of the Council are presided over by the Head of State or, in his or her absence, by the Prime Minister.

A member of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs and any person otherwise associated with the Council shall exercise caution in communicating to others matters which have come to his or her knowledge in this capacity. The person presiding over a meeting of the Council may rule that a duty of confidentiality shall apply unconditionally.


Featured image: The King with the Speaker Urban Ahlin and the other members of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs. (Photo: Henrik Garlöv/Kungahuset.se)
Source: Swedish Royal Court
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