Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, was featured in a Politico article on Thursday, May 28, commenting on the security situation and the recent Swedish military exercise on Gotland, the strategically located Swedish island in the Baltic Sea.
Interviewed by Politico’s Victor Jack, Wieslander highlighted that Gotland has faced an increasing frequency of Russian hybrid activities and warned that Moscow could take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding U.S. commitments to intensify such operations. Despite these concerns, she added that Gotland’s security is now in a “good place,” particularly following Sweden’s accession to NATO in 2024.
As one of NATO’s top defense spenders at 2.5 percent of GDP and with a strong domestic arms industry, Sweden does “not rely on the U.S. to defend Gotland,” Wieslander siad in the article. However, she noted that Sweden still needs Washington for certain weapons systems and logistical support.
Read the full article in Politico here:
Further reading
Tue, Jan 27, 2026
How the Nordic-Baltic states became Europe’s reliable security engine
Dispatches By Anna Wieslander
Eight Northern European states are acting together early and turning solidarity into capabilities and delivery.
Tue, May 5, 2026
‘Zeitenwende’ is anchoring Germany’s role as a Baltic Sea Power
Dispatches By Anna Wieslander
The Merz government has been keen to emphasize that Germany is a trustworthy and long-term security provider in the region.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
What I heard in Munich: ‘We Europeans need a plan’
Dispatches By Anna Wieslander
Hopes of a bold, unified initiative led by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom did not materialize at the recent Munich Security Conference.