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Around 30 Swedish inmates sentenced for serious crimes are set to serve their sentences in Estonia, marking the first group under a new agreement. Sweden, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, plans to send up to 600 prisoners annually to Estonia, citing the need to alleviate prison overcrowding. The deal, signed last year, has drawn both interest and criticism from European countries grappling with similar issues.

Prison occupancy in Sweden reached a record high of 11,232 inmates between 2015 and 2025, driven by organized crime and stricter measures that led to longer sentences. Estonia, on the other hand, boasts an unusually low prison occupancy rate of around 58%, having reduced crime rates since gaining independence in 1991. While the agreement stipulates annual payments of €30.6 million ($35.42 million) for up to 300 inmates, Estonia can receive an additional 300 prisoners for a fee of €8,500 ($9,900) per inmate.

Critics argue the pact could lead to the "commodification of prisoners," treating them as products moved between countries. The agreement's success will depend on addressing the root causes of prison overcrowding, such as ineffective laws and government policies.