Sweden has struck a deal with Estonia to rent up to 600 prison spaces in a bid to address severe overcrowding in its correctional system, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer announced on Wednesday.
Under the agreement, Sweden will lease 400 cells at Tartu Prison in southeastern Estonia, with the option to expand capacity if needed. The move aims to alleviate strain on Sweden’s prisons, where a surge in violent crime has led to a shortage of available spaces.
Housing an inmate in Estonia will cost Sweden approximately €8,500 per month—significantly lower than the €11,500 monthly cost domestically. The Tartu facility will operate under Estonian law but will be staffed partially by Swedish corrections officers to train local guards.
Sweden’s Justice Ministry emphasized that Estonia adheres to the same international prison standards, ensuring comparable conditions for transferred inmates. However, only certain prisoners will be eligible: men over 18 convicted of serious crimes—such as murder or sexual offenses—who do not pose major security risks. Those with extensive medical needs or ties to terrorism, organized crime, or national security offenses will remain in Sweden.
The agreement stems from Sweden’s 2022 coalition pact, which sought solutions to prison overcrowding fueled by rising gang-related violence. Sweden now leads Europe in per capita gun deaths, intensifying pressure on its justice system.
Before the deal takes effect on July 1, 2026, Sweden’s parliament must approve legislative changes with a three-quarters majority—a hurdle given opposition from some parties and prison worker unions.
Norway, Belgium, and Denmark have pursued similar arrangements abroad, but Sweden’s plan marks its first such initiative. Strömmer called Estonia a “close partner” and expressed optimism about finalizing the deal within weeks.
“Our goal is to ensure detention conditions in Estonia mirror those in Sweden as closely as possible,” he said.