In an unprecedented measure in the field of penitentiary policy, Sweden and Estonia have concluded an agreement on the transfer of prisoners: already in the coming months, the first 600 people from Swedish prisons will be transferred to Estonian correctional institutions. The main reason for this decision was economic considerations – it is much cheaper to keep prisoners in Estonia than in Sweden, while maintaining European standards of prison conditions.
Sweden has long faced a shortage of prison space. In recent years, the number of prisoners in the country has been growing: in the last three years alone, the number of prisoners has increased by almost 20%. At the same time, spending on the prison system is increasing. On average, it costs the state 140-160 euros per day to keep one prisoner in Sweden, while in Estonia it costs between 80 euros.
The agreement stipulates that Sweden will lease prison facilities in Estonia for a period of 3 to 5 years, with the possibility of extension. The Estonian side undertakes to provide Swedish prisoners with the same conditions as its own citizens: food, medical care, access to legal services and rehabilitation opportunities. The transfer of prisoners will be carried out in several stages. First on the list are those who are serving sentences for non-serious offences and have no restrictions on transfer. It is expected that the first transfers will start as early as autumn 2025.
Reactions to the news in Estonia and Sweden were mixed. In Sweden, part of the public is concerned that sending citizens abroad may have a negative impact on their rehabilitation process and family ties. Some human rights activists point to the risk of ‘privatisation of prison responsibility’. In Estonia, however, there are concerns about the possible overloading of the system and the increasing workload of the staff. However, the government stresses that the additional revenue from the agreement will help improve conditions in Estonian prisons and fund educational and medical programmes.
