Sweden ordered to provide subsidized health care to vulnerable EU citizens

The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) found that Sweden breaches the European Social Charter by denying or limiting subsidized health care to vulnerable EU citizens who lack health insurance. The complaint, filed by Amnesty International and Doctors of the World, identified three violations: infringement of the right to health, direct discrimination through regional decisions that varied access and fees, and indirect discrimination against the Roma minority.

ECSR called on the Swedish government to introduce legislation guaranteeing all EU citizens residing in Sweden access to subsidized health care on the same terms as people without residence permits, regardless of the length of stay or possession of a European Health Insurance Card. Amnesty International Sweden welcomed the decision and urged immediate action to protect the health rights of those affected.