Sweden Considers Bitcoin in National Reserves: Proposal from MP to Finance Minister

In a groundbreaking move that signals growing institutional interest in digital assets across Europe, Swedish Member of Parliament Rickard Nordin has formally proposed the inclusion of Bitcoin (BTC) in Sweden’s national foreign exchange reserves. 

The proposal, submitted on April 8, urges Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson to adopt the world's leading cryptocurrency as a reserve asset, citing its deflationary nature and global relevance.

Let’s dive deeper into this news of Sweden’s proposal to include Bitcoin as a National Reserve and how it will impact the economy in this article!

A Modern Asset for a Modern Economy

Sweden has traditionally maintained a conservative strategy for managing its reserves, largely relying on fiat currencies and gold. However, MP Nordin argues that it’s time for Sweden to adapt to a changing financial landscape by embracing Bitcoin as a complement to its existing reserves.

“Sweden: proposal to include Bitcoin in national reserves is not about abandoning prudent policy—it’s about future-proofing our monetary resilience,” Nordin wrote in his official letter.

He emphasized that Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a “hedge against inflation” and “a store of value” by global institutions, particularly in the face of rising monetary instability in some regions.

Read also: Understanding a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Notable Examples

Bitcoin as a Tool for Economic Freedom

One of the more striking arguments in Nordin’s proposal is the assertion that Bitcoin as a national reserve offers not only economic benefits but also geopolitical utility. He referred to Bitcoin as “an essential tool for freedom fighters” seeking to process payments under authoritarian regimes, highlighting its decentralized and censorship-resistant design.

This human rights angle adds moral and political weight to the proposal, positioning Bitcoin not just as a speculative asset but also as a tool for democratic resilience and global empowerment.

Drawing Inspiration from the U.S.

Nordin’s proposal aligns closely with a similar move in the United States. On March 7, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, funded not by taxpayer money but by assets seized from criminal activities. The U.S. policy promotes a “budget-neutral” strategy—an approach Nordin suggests Sweden could mirror to reduce potential risks.

“The model of acquiring Bitcoin without imposing costs on taxpayers is attractive,” the MP noted, referencing the U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments’ mandate to grow the reserve via confiscated digital assets.

Read also: The Bitcoin Act: A Strategic Move for U.S. Economic Policy

Broader European Interest in Bitcoin Reserves

Sweden is not alone in exploring Bitcoin’s potential role in public finance. Earlier this year, the Governor of the Czech National Bank suggested that Bitcoin could serve as a diversification asset for the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

These developments represent a growing trend in Europe toward reassessing the role of cryptocurrencies in national economic strategies. However, despite this growing interest, most European Union member states have remained silent on Bitcoin policy, choosing instead to focus on the launch of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Bitcoin vs CBDCs: A Continental Contrast

While some countries are beginning to explore Bitcoin’s role as a public asset, the European Union has placed its primary focus on the rollout of the digital euro, a CBDC initiative led by European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde.

The digital euro is expected to launch in October 2025 and is being promoted as a “cash-like” and privacy-conscious payment method.

Lagarde recently emphasized, “We are working to ensure that the digital euro coexists with cash, addressing privacy concerns by making it pseudonymous in nature.”

In contrast, the United States under Trump has taken a hard stance against CBDCs, going as far as banning the issuance of a digital dollar. This ideological split has raised questions about the future of sovereign digital assets in Western economies and the balance between centralized control and decentralized innovation.

What’s Next for Sweden?

As of now, Finance Minister Svantesson has not publicly responded to Nordin’s letter. However, the proposal has already sparked national and international debate. Should Sweden proceed with incorporating Bitcoin as a national reserve, it would become one of the first European countries to formally recognize a decentralized asset as part of its state-held financial instruments.

Such a move could influence neighboring countries and even encourage wider adoption across the EU, particularly if Bitcoin continues to demonstrate strong performance amid global economic uncertainties.

Conclusion

The Sweden: proposal to include Bitcoin in national reserves marks a pivotal moment in the intersection between traditional finance and digital innovation. If accepted, the initiative would solidify Sweden’s position as a forward-thinking nation willing to challenge conventional reserve strategies.

As global interest in Bitcoin (BTC) continues to rise and debates around monetary sovereignty and decentralization grow, Sweden’s decision could set a precedent for how modern democracies treat cryptocurrencies—not just as investment assets, but as tools of economic strategy and freedom.

Read more about Bitcoin (BTC):

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BTC to USD: Convert Bitcoin to US Dollar

FAQ

What is a national Bitcoin reserve?

A national Bitcoin reserve refers to a country's decision to hold Bitcoin (BTC) as part of its official foreign exchange reserves—alongside traditional assets like gold and fiat currencies. 

Governments may include Bitcoin for diversification, inflation hedging, or as a digital asset aligned with long-term financial innovation. Sweden is now considering this approach following a proposal by MP Rickard Nordin.

Is Sweden the first country to propose a Bitcoin reserve?

No, Sweden isn’t the first. The United States recently took a major step with President Donald Trump’s executive order in March 2025 to create a U.S. national Bitcoin reserve—funded by seized crypto assets from criminal investigations. Additionally, the Czech Republic has expressed interest in evaluating Bitcoin as part of its own reserve diversification strategy.

Is Bitcoin backed by the Federal Reserve?

No, Bitcoin is not backed by the Federal Reserve or any central bank. It is a decentralized digital currency not controlled by any government or institution. Its value is determined by supply and demand in the open market. This independence is one of the reasons some countries view it as a strong hedge against inflation or fiat currency devaluation.