New government – what does it mean for Norrbotten's future issues?
Sweden has a new government with a new political agenda. What will this mean for Norrbotten's development? It is still too early to say, but something can be deduced from the Tidö Agreement and the government statement.
Region Norrbotten has a list of priority issues where they will work actively for decisions that are beneficial for Norrbotten's development. This is what we know, so far, about the new government's stance on these issues.
Flexible and permissive application of shore protection
The government's position is not clear from the government statement or the Tidö Agreement. In the debate before the election, M, KD and SD have expressed that they want to see changes to facilitate construction near the shore, so proposals in this area may come later.
Introduction of regional/local natural resource fees
This issue is about parts of the value created by the exploitation of natural resources being returned locally/regionally. This could be about Norrbotten getting a share of the profits from mining, hydropower, wind power or forestry.
The Tidö Agreement states that the investigation "Strengthened incentives for expanded wind power" will be given an additional assignment to propose how municipalities should receive compensation for wind power expansion. Compensation for other natural resources is not mentioned.
Fast and transparent permit processes for nature-based activities
The Tidö Agreement contains provisions on the importance of shortened and simplified permit processes. An investigation is to be appointed with the aim of making the processes more flexible, efficient and predictable. For example, it is about “utilising existing flexibility in the EU regulations”. The investigation’s mandate also includes limiting the number of authorities that represent the state in permit matters and taking into account the views of the business community.
Secure energy supply for continued development and green transition
The government statement states that “The goal of energy policy is for Sweden to move from a threatening electricity deficit to an abundance of fossil-free electricity.”
The Tidö Agreement states that "the goal should be to create a better balance between electricity production and electricity use in different parts of Sweden, thereby creating the conditions for more stable and lower electricity prices so that, in the long term and after investigation, Sweden can become a unified electricity price area."
The plan to have the electricity grid collective subsidize offshore wind power's electricity grid connections is stopped.
It is proposed that the expansion of exporting power cables be paused until "price differences between price areas have decreased significantly."
The Tidö Agreement also states that the government document wants to take measures to facilitate new nuclear power.
Rapid completion of the entire Norrbothnia Line, double track on the Malmbanan Line, connection of the Haparanda Line to the Finnish railway network
None of this is mentioned in either the Tidö Agreement or the government declaration. However, the government declaration has a general statement that “investments in the railway should primarily facilitate commuting and freight traffic, which strengthens jobs and growth.”
Sustainable forestry for climate-smart development
The government statement states that "the government will wholeheartedly stand up for sustainable Swedish forestry, with care for future generations. Protection of property rights will be strengthened in certain areas."
Priority issues for Norrbotten that are not mentioned at all
- Coordination of Norrbotten's regional physical planning
- Increased cultural support for the establishment of stages and technology for dance, theater and music
- Broadband expansion to all households and businesses
- Removing obstacles to cross-border commuting
“Offensive partner”
Norrbotten is now in the midst of a new industrialization with a focus on green transition. The government promises in the government declaration to support the business community's efforts towards sustainability:
"The Swedish business community is a hotbed of prosperity and innovation, but now also an important environmental movement – a world leader in sustainability and green transition. The government will be an offensive partner in that work."
– It remains to be seen how the new government's policy will affect Norrbotten's development opportunities. For example, we have a great need for labor from Sweden and other countries, to staff industry, welfare and the service sector. Continued investments in infrastructure are absolutely crucial. Likewise, cheap green electricity for the industrial transition. We will continue the work of presenting our needs and opinions on various issues to the government and expect good cooperation for a Norrbotten in progress, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director.
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Would you like to know more about Region Norrbotten's advocacy work? Read:
They represent the Norrbotten Region in Stockholm and Brussels.