Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Estonia to House Swedish Inmates to Address Prison Overcrowding
Estonia and Sweden are discussing a deal where Estonia would house some of Sweden's prisoners.
Because Sweden's prisons are overcrowded, they plan to send up to 600 inmates to Estonia's Tartu Prison.
Sweden will pay Estonia to house these prisoners, which is cheaper for Sweden than keeping them in their own prisons.
However, not all prisoners can be sent; no juveniles or women will be transferred.
Some people in Estonia are happy about the potential jobs, while others worry about the change in the community.
The plan must be approved by both countries' governments first.
Estonia is planning to house up to 600 Swedish inmates in its Tartu Prison.
The inter-governmental agreement is pending approval by both countries' parliaments.
Sweden will pay Estonia 8,500 euros monthly per inmate, saving on its higher domestic costs.
Certain Swedish prisoners, including juveniles and women, will be excluded from the transfer.
Some locals in Tartu anticipate economic benefits, while others express concerns about community impact.
- Who
- Estonia and Sweden.
- What
- Estonia and Sweden are proposing an agreement for Estonia to house up to 600 Swedish inmates.
- When
- The agreement is planned to start from late next year.
- Where
- Tartu Prison in Estonia.
- Why
- Sweden needs to address prison overcrowding and Estonia has vacant prison space.
Local Concerns
Economic Benefits
Community Impact
Local Concerns
Negative impact on the local community.
Economic Benefits
Potential economic boost and new jobs.
- Prison Location
- Tartu, Estonia
- Inmate Transfer Plan
- Up to 600 Swedish inmates
- Monthly Payment per Inmate
- 8,500 euros
- Sweden's Prison Occupancy (May)
- 141%
- Estonian Prison Occupancy Change (2023)
- 12% decline
- Inmates Excluded
- Juveniles, women, and those with high risks