Environment and climate

New nuclear power is a long-term undertaking for society. It requires investments from both the private sector and the state. In the Spring Amending Budget for 2026, the Government proposes state majority ownership of Videberg Kraft AB and that the state assumes a role in the financing of the future system for radioactive waste management and spent nuclear fuel by reducing risk for those who make the initial investments. Those who produce the waste should also continue to be responsible for their share of the costs.

At the summit held between Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 May, the countries announced deeper cooperation aimed at reducing industrial emissions. Sweden and India are to develop a new work programme for the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) initiative for 2027–2030.

On 17 May, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in Gothenburg. During the visit, the leaders held bilateral meetings and participated in discussions with European business leaders on innovation, climate and trade. HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, and India’s Minister for External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also participated in the programme.

Sweden participates in around 100 international climate initiatives and, together with India, co-leads the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). Since autumn 2025, Sweden has also served as Chair of the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge (GCPC).

The Government aims to reduce the spread of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in order to protect the environment and human health. A national action plan to reduce the spread of PFAS into waterways and in nature will be drafted in the coming months.

To reach net zero emissions by 2045, Sweden must electrify its transport sector. In the Spring Amending Budget, the Government and the Sweden Democrats intend to allocate more funding to expand the electric vehicle premium and to increase government agencies’ purchasing of fossil-free alternatives.

Minister for Employment Johan Britz will assume responsibility for climate and environment issues in the Government while Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari is on parental leave. Meanwhile, he will retain his regular responsibility for labour market policy.

Sweden aims to take a leading role in artificial intelligence. The Government is now presenting a new AI strategy with the aim of providing more effective government agencies, clearer rules for businesses and better conditions for research. The objective is for Sweden to be among the world’s top 10 countries in the field of AI.

This strategy has a ten-year perspective to enable various actors to work long term on issues that can help realise the vision: “A society in which access to treatment with antimicrobials is maintained through cross-sectoral and sector-specific initiatives to prevent infection and limit the development, spread and consequences of resistant microorganisms.”

On 8–10 December, 200 experts on nuclear power gathered in Stockholm for a workshop on small modular reactors (SMRs) organised by the Swedish Government and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). State Secretaries Maja Lundbäck and Daniel Westlén opened proceedings.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil concluded after overrunning into 22 November. Negotiations were characterised by disagreements between various countries, and did not result in the push to implement countries’ domestic climate plans that Sweden and the EU would have wanted.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Germany’s Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed an enhanced and expanded Strategic Innovation Partnership between Sweden and Germany. The Joint Declaration of Intent comprises new areas including foreign policy, capital market issues, migration and international development cooperation.

The Government has adopted a new 10-year strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The strategy will guide and reinforce Sweden’s work in this area and contribute to global goals of reducing mortality.

Strategic Partnership between Canada and Sweden. Signed by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on 18 November 2025.

Canada and Sweden have entered into a Strategic Partnership, which was launched on 18 November, during the State Visit to Canada by Their Majesties The King and Queen. It builds on Canada and Sweden’s common interests and values, and will further deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation.

Sweden's national statement to the UN Climate Change Conference COP30 was delivered by the State Secretary to the Minister for Climate and the Environment Helena Dyrssen in Belém, Brasil, 18 November 2025. Check against delivery.

At COP30, Ministers Bhupender Yadav of India and Romina Pourmokhtari of Sweden announced that Indian and Swedish companies have partnered and been shortlisted to develop pre-pilot steel and cement projects in India under the India–Sweden Industry Transition Partnership. This marks a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation on accelerating the shift towards low-carbon industrial solutions, which are essential to reach global climate goals.

Sweden’s key messages for global climate action are urgency based on science to increase the pace of work and opportunities in the form of improved competitiveness, new jobs and growth, as well as innovation and development. Sweden is also one of the world’s most generous international climate finance donors, which contributes to both emissions reduction and climate adaptation.

Since 1 August 2025, companies seeking to build nuclear reactors in Sweden have been able to apply for state aid. In the Budget Bill for 2026, the Government has proposed economic frameworks that enable agreements on the initial projects to be concluded.

On October 7, the Government held the Nordic-Baltic Nuclear Investment Summit. Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch hosted the Summit together with Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala. Participants in the Summit included six ministers and more than 200 representatives of companies from the nuclear energy and finance sectors of four continents.