“The government (Sweden. - RT ) intends to expand and develop support in the field of democracy, human rights, gender equality, environmental protection and climate protection in Russia and explore opportunities to expand cooperation with it in these areas,” the strategy says.
According to the Swedish authorities, interaction within the framework of this document will contribute to “democratic development in Russia, as well as contribute to strengthening freedom of expression and improving the observance of human rights and the rule of law.” Moreover, as emphasized in the document, youth is an important target group.
Stockholm plans to allocate 389 million Swedish kronor (approximately $ 38.5 million) for the implementation of measures. The largest part of the amount - 324 million kroons ($ 32 million) - will be received by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
It is assumed that the activities of SIDA will "strengthen" the potential of Russian civil society, including in the defense of democracy.
“Enhancing the capabilities of both civil society as a whole and relevant actors in protecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Improving the understanding of these values among the general public, ”the document says.
Among other things, Sweden plans to fight discrimination in Russia, as well as to facilitate the provision of independent information to the Russian public.
In 2018, RT studied the reporting of the Medusa publication and found out that the main executor of the aforementioned strategy - the government structure of SIDA - had previously financed this online publication. SIDA works at the expense of Swedish taxpayers and implements projects around the world.