Beredskapsmyndighet

Beredskapsmyndighet is a government authority responsible for national-level planning and coordination of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in the event of emergencies or crises. Its remit includes civil protection, risk management, and the strengthening of societal resilience. The authority acts to coordinate among national agencies, regional authorities, municipalities, and non-governmental actors, and to provide guidance, resources, and expertise for hazard mitigation and crisis response.

Core tasks typically include risk assessment and surveillance, development of policies, standards and guidelines for preparedness, and the design of exercises and training. The authority may supervise or fund preparedness initiatives, support critical infrastructure protection, and coordinate public communication during crises. It also contributes to international cooperation and the exchange of best practices in crisis management.

In Sweden, the central beredskapsmyndighet is the Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB). Established in 2009, MSB coordinates civil protection, emergency preparedness and civil defense. It supports municipalities and government agencies, conducts risk and vulnerability analyses, provides expertise and training, and develops regulations, standards and guidance. MSB also serves as a national hub for crisis management and collaborates with police, the armed forces, and other authorities in domestic and cross-border exercises.

The term is used broadly to refer to similar authorities in other countries; although the exact mandate, powers and structure vary, beredskapsmyndighet generally denotes a central body responsible for safeguarding society from hazards through planning, prevention, and coordinated response.