Finished: Applies for 40 billion from the EU fund

Stockholm – The Swedish government has completed its application to obtain 40 billion kronor from the EU’s recovery fund.

Certain conditions must be met to receive the funds Sweden is entitled to from the fund. Among other things, 37 percent of the money must be used for climate transition.

After the government significantly lowered the reduction obligation for blending biofuels into gasoline and diesel, the old application needed to be updated.

“We agree with the European Commission that it was right to remove the reduction obligation because it became very much more expensive for people. The fund is about supporting the social and economic consequences after the pandemic,” says Sweden’s Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson.

Instead, the government is adding two other measures to the application and the accompanying recovery plan. One is a legislation that is underway to expedite environmental reviews and permits. The other measure is a program that will take effect next year which involves an investment in teachers and principals.

“We fulfill all parts with this and agree with the Commission that these are two good measures to add,” says Svantesson.

The Finance Minister hopes that the funds will begin to be paid out to Sweden next year.

The recovery fund has been financed by EU countries. Sweden contributed 150 billion kronor.

(September 17)