Bitcoin News Today: Sweden Debates Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to Counter Inflation and Geopolitical Uncertainty

The Swedish Parliament is set to debate a historic proposal by the Sweden Democrats to explore the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to digital assets. On October 1, 2025, lawmakers Dennis Dioukarev and David Perez introduced a parliamentary motion titled "A Swedish Bitcoin Strategy" (Motion 2025/26:793), urging the government to investigate the feasibility of building a strategic Bitcoin reserve and determine the appropriate authority to manage it. The proposal aligns Bitcoin with traditional reserve assets like gold and foreign exchange, emphasizing its potential as a hedge against inflation and a tool for diversification title1^[1].

The motion explicitly requests that the government reaffirm its commitment to not alter the legal definition of tender or introduce a central bank digital currency (CBDC) under the Riksbank Act. This stance contrasts with the Riksbank's ongoing exploration of CBDCs, which the central bank has been examining since 2020 as part of international efforts to digitize currency. The Riksbank, however, has not yet reached a definitive conclusion on a CBDC, citing the need for further study on its implications for monetary policy and financial stability title2^[2].

The lawmakers argue that Bitcoin's capped supply of 21 million units and its independence from any single country's monetary policies make it a compelling addition to Sweden's reserves. They cite examples from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Finland, where Bitcoin has been accumulated through seizures of illicit assets. The proposal suggests a budget-neutral approach: law enforcement agencies would transfer seized Bitcoin to the Riksbank or another designated entity instead of auctioning it, avoiding additional public spending. This method mirrors practices in the U.S., where state-level Bitcoin reserves have been established without taxpayer funds title1^[1].

Sweden's Justice Minister, Gunnar Strömmer, has recently intensified asset seizures under a law targeting unexplained wealth, which took effect in November 2024. Over $8.3 million has been confiscated to date, including $137,000 and a Rolex from a case at Gothenburg airport. Critics argue the law risks infringing on civil liberties, but proponents see it as a necessary tool to combat financial crime. The proposed Bitcoin reserve would leverage such seizures, positioning the asset as a strategic financial tool rather than a speculative investment title1^[1].

Internationally, momentum for state-level Bitcoin reserves is growing. Massachusetts is set to debate a similar measure in October, while Kazakhstan launched its Alem Crypto Fund with BNB as its first asset. Brazil and the Philippines are also exploring national Bitcoin strategies. In Sweden, the proposal aligns with corporate trends: firms like H100 Group AB and Refine Group AB have added Bitcoin to their treasuries, viewing it as a long-term diversification strategy title1^[1].

The motion will be reviewed by the Finance Committee on October 15, where lawmakers will weigh the risks and opportunities of adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset. If approved, Sweden would join a small but expanding group of nations treating Bitcoin as a strategic financial instrument. The debate reflects broader global discussions on digital assets, with over 25 U.S. states and several countries exploring similar policies. Analysts note that while Bitcoin's volatility remains a concern, its role as a store of value and inflation hedge is increasingly recognized, particularly in an era of geopolitical uncertainty title1^[1].