A strategy has been devised for cross-sector exercises at national level and regional level in the field of civil protection and emergency preparedness. This overarching strategy outlines the pre-conditions and procedures that are considered common for public authorities. Moreover, it is intended to function as a unifying concept within which strategies for Sector Exercises can be accommodated. The strategy aims to facilitate the direction and coordination of exercises in order to contribute to the enhancement of societal emergency preparedness. It also provides the opportunity to direct and coordinate the participation of Swedish public authorities in EU and international exercises. The strategy emphasises the need for interaction and interplay between Cooperation Exercises (exercises that aim to enhance cooperation between societal sectors) and Sector Exercises. The intention is to reinforce their reciprocal effects and thereby efficiently help to enhance society’s emergency preparedness capacity. Furthermore, to achieve this mutual effect exercises need be evaluated so that their results can be followed up. The strategy provides a basis for annual, more detailed directions as well as long-term directions of cross-sector exercises at national and regional level.