The Swedish Riksdag ratified a prison leasing agreement with Estonia, an important milestone to ease Sweden’s domestic overcrowding and preserve operations at Tartu Prison.
According to Estonian Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta, the decision by the Swedish parliament confirms trust in Estonia’s prison system and in cooperation between the two countries.
“The decision by the Swedish parliament is an important step toward the agreement taking effect. Keeping Tartu Prison operational allows Estonia to preserve unique security and prison infrastructure and to strengthen the professional capacity of the prison service. This is cooperation that can only be based on mutual trust and serve the interests of both countries,” Pakosta said.
For the agreement to take effect, it must also be ratified by Estonia’s parliament. The Riigikogu’s final vote is scheduled for June 10, after which the document will be submitted to President Alar Karis for promulgation.
Once the agreement has been ratified by both countries, preparations for launching the cooperation will begin. These include operational arrangements, staff recruitment and training, and practical coordination between Estonian and Swedish prison services to receive inmates.
Read more: ERR.EE
