2015-06-01 defence force that is able to work alongside others. The Swedish Declaration of Solidarity requires that we must be able to provide as well as receive support, civilian and militarily. Through its geographical position in the Baltic Sea, the island of Gotland is of a vital strategic importance for Sweden, as well as for the Baltic Sea region as a whole. Gotland is important for sea lanes and air routes to and from the Baltic States. It is a Swedish strategic interest to have a permanent military presence on the island. A Swedish military presence in and around Gotland will have a stabilising effect for the entire region. Swedish Defence Policy for the years 2016 to 2020 must be based upon the declining security environment in Europe. In line with the Defence Commissions conclusions, Swedish defence policy requires a new focus. Thus, a renewed regional focus will be a priority, with the emphasis on national defence and planning for wartime scenarios. This renewed regional and national focus will also require an updated Total Defence Concept able to cope with present day challenges and threats. Ultimately, the Swedish Defence should be able, with its available resources, to face an armed attack. The policies proposed cannot, however, be viewed in isolation, but must be considered in a wider Baltic Sea, European and global context. Enhancing the operational capability of the Armed Forces The defence budget for the years 2016 to 2020, will be based on the June 2014 announcement of budgetary increases, amounting to approximately 7 billion SEK (Government Resolution 12 and 15). The announced increase was based on the Defence Commissions analysis. The Swedish Armed Forces have suggested some reallocations of the announced funding for the period of 2016-2020. These suggestions are included in the funding for the period. This includes a reallocation of 1.3 billion SEK from the funding of international missions to the funding of training and readiness. An increased defence budget is fundamental, particularly in light of the deteriorating security situation, but also to address the need to increase warfighting capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces. To that extent, the political agreement means that this defence bill will add approximately 10 billion SEK extra to the Armed Forces the period of 2016-2020 in addition to the previously announced increases. This means that the budget of the Armed Forces will receive approximately 17 billion SEK extra compared to the previous period. Thus, this defence bill sets a new trend in Swedish defence spending. For the first time in more than two decades, the Swedish government has decided on a substantial increase of the defence budget. Total defence spending over the next five years will be 224 billion SEK. 3