"We hold the key to Sweden's growth and security - it's time for the government to unlock it"

With rich natural resources, the green transition and its geopolitically important location, Norrbotten plays a crucial role in Swedish growth, climate goals and the country's security. But without a well-functioning infrastructure, all of this is threatened. Anders Öberg (S), the regional councilor for the Norrbotten region, is calling for greater investment from the government - and it is urgent.

The coastal stretch Umeå-Luleå is one of the country's most densely populated regions. It is not a sparsely populated area, but home to around 330 Swedes. Here is the country's lowest unemployment and highest growth, with everything from universities to global companies. The workforce moves between the municipalities daily - so how come it is still not possible to travel by train between the four coastal cities? It is incomprehensible, believes Anders Öberg, regional councilor (S) Region Norrbotten. But it is also a problem for Sweden.

– A well-developed infrastructure is a prerequisite for Norrbotten to continue to be a strong growth engine for Sweden. Yet previous governments have downgraded investments in both the Norrbotnia Line and the Malmbanan. The measures highlighted in the national plan for transport infrastructure will not be enough, so it is time to act now. All resources required to accelerate expansion must be allocated, says Anders Öberg.

Photo: Simon Eliasson

Important links for Sweden

The purpose of the Norrbothnia Line is to connect the region's four major coastal cities, which would facilitate fast and climate-smart transport of goods and people. Good train connections help attract the workforce needed for the green transition. Investments in the Norrbothnia Line are crucial, but it is equally important to increase the capacity of the Malmbanan Line, where derailments and train cancellations cause disruptions that quickly become costly.

– 90 percent of the iron ore mined in the EU comes from Norrbotten. It pumps billions into the treasury and creates growth in Europe. But for the money to continue flowing in, ore, metals and minerals must be able to be transported efficiently. Today, a lack of capacity and robustness is a major concern, says Anders Öberg.

A question about Sweden's security

Norrbotten is part of the Arctic, an area that is of ever-increasing geopolitical interest in the wake of global warming. Control over natural resources and transport routes risks becoming the subject of future conflict. A well-developed infrastructure is crucial to being able to defend and protect Norrbotten's values. In the event of conflict in the Baltic Sea, the port of Narvik will also be a lifeline – but only if the Malmbanan is a robust part of Sweden's total defense. 

– The region's infrastructure should be at the top of the agenda for anyone interested in Swedish competitiveness, climate goals, defense capability and preparedness. We hold the key to Sweden's growth and security – it's time for the government to unlock it, says Anders Öberg.

Photo: Simon Eliasson

The article was originally published in Dagens Nyheter's thematic focus on infrastructure, as a paid collaboration.

How does Region Norrbotten work with infrastructure issues? Read more here!