Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson

A ban on extracting coal, oil and natural gas in Sweden will enter into force in Sweden on 1 July this year. It will be an important step in the process of transitioning to a fossil-free society. This was announced by Minister for climate and the environment Annika Strandhäll on World Environment Day, on June 5th.

SAS has announced that the company would like to convert debt corresponding to approximately SEK 20 billion into equity in the company. Against that background, the Swedish government has proposed in an additional amending budget that will be adopted today that the Riksdag authorises the Swedish government to convert the Swedish government’s existing state hybrid and the Swedish government’s outstanding loan facilities to shares in SAS. The measures require approval by the Riksdag and the European Commission.

Today, Minister for Education Anna Ekström is meeting the UK’s Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, George Freeman, and Minister for Technology, Innovation and Life Sciences, Lord Kamall. In connection with their meeting in London, they will sign a memorandum of understanding in the area of life sciences. The memorandum builds on a long tradition of Swedish-UK cooperation and is intended to promote joint progress on policy development, technical standards, industry engagement, research, development and implementation of new technologies and treatments.

The decision to grant Jokkmokk Iron Mines AB an exploitation concession for Kallak K no 1 is accompanied by several extensive conditions that the company must comply with. On this page you can read more about these conditions, what a concession means, and how reindeer grazing land is affected by a mine.

The Government has decided to grant Swedish registered company Jokkmokk Iron Mines AB an exploitation concession for Kallak K no 1. The Government has set extensive and unique conditions that the company must comply with order to prevent disruptions to reindeer husbandry. Compliance with these conditions is a prerequisite for the exploitation concession and for any future permits.

In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the following sanctions, the Government is now strengthening preparedness for the Swedish business sector and foreign trade through close dialogue with relevant actors. The economic effects on Sweden are currently limited, but the situation concerning increased energy and oil prices, as well as the turbulent capital market, may deteriorate. There may be quite extensive and serious consequences for the world economy, which is why the Government is closely monitoring developments and is prepared to act depending on how events unfold.

In the proposal referred to the Council on Legislation for consideration, the Government proposes amendments to the Swedish Environmental Code and the Mineral Act that entail a ban on the extraction of coal, lignite, crude oil, shale oil and natural gas similar to the ban on uranium extraction. The Government also presents proposals aimed at tightening regulatory framework for the extraction of alum shale.

As one of the focuses of this year’s budget, the Swedish Government is tasking the National Agency for Public Procurement with devising ways of strengthening and developing public procurement to promote the climate transition and the shift to a circular economy.

Sweden’s seventh international Office of Science and Innovation was established at the Embassy of Sweden in London on 1 January 2022. The Office will develop and strengthen collaboration between the UK and Sweden on issues linked to the Government’s life sciences strategy, its export and investment strategy, the Research and Innovation Bill, and the Government’s strategic partnership programmes.

Today in the Riksdag, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson announced the ministers who will serve in the Government. The change of government takes place at a Council of State at the Royal Palace presided over by His Majesty the King. The Council of State begins at 13.00.