US billionaire Bill Gates has expressed concern over Sweden’s increasing military spending, suggesting that the funds could be better utilized for global humanitarian initiatives. In an interview with Sweden’s Dagens Industri newspaper, Gates noted that the country’s budget bill for this year does not include allocations for the Global Fund, an organization that combats AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria worldwide.
Gates’ comments come as Sweden continues to ramp up its military expenditure, with the government pledging an additional 300 billion kronor ($31.4 billion) in spending on the armed forces. This move is part of a broader effort to double personnel to 115,000 by 2030. The country’s shift in priorities has been driven in part by its decision to abandon its centuries-long neutrality and apply for NATO membership, which it was granted in 2024.
Foreign Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa defended the country’s increased military spending, citing the need for a strong defense to ensure national security. “If we don’t want our children to speak Russian in the future, we need to have a very strong defense,” he said. This statement reflects the concerns of many Swedish policymakers, who see the country’s membership in NATO and its increased military spending as essential to deterring potential threats from Russia.
The escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 has led to a significant increase in military spending across Europe, with NATO member states committing to increase defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035. The European Union has also approved several programs aimed at boosting military spending, including the €800 billion ReArm Europe initiative.
Despite these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed claims of aggressive plans toward Sweden, describing such claims as a “nonsense mantra” and “inconceivable.” Putin’s comments reflect the complex and often contradictory nature of international relations, where perceptions of threat and security can vary greatly from one country to another.
As the debate over military spending and humanitarian initiatives continues, it remains to be seen how Sweden will balance its priorities in the years to come. With the country’s commitment to NATO and its increased military expenditure, it is likely that the issue will remain a topic of discussion and debate in the months and years ahead.
