Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation

The State is a significant company owner in Sweden. The portfolio of state-owned enterprises contains 46 fully and partially owned enterprises, of which two are listed. The State has a substantial responsibility to be an active and professional owner. The Government’s overall objective is for the enterprises to create value and, where applicable, to ensure that the specifically adopted public policy assignments are performed well.

Global warming continues regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change will remain the defining issue of our generation. The Government is therefore proposing investments of SEK 9.7 billion in green recovery initiatives in the Budget Bill for 2021. The Government’s proposals are based on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

In light of the severe financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many sole traders, the Government is now proposing SEK 3.5 billion to support these companies in 2020. The Budget Bill for 2021 proposes that an additional SEK 1.5 billion be set aside for 2021. It is proposed that the Government’s proposals, which build on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party, enter into force as soon as possible.

The Government has decided to extend the ordinance that enables the provision of compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities – tie-up support – to commercial fishers who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 30 June, SAS presented a plan for the recapitalisation of the company and a plan to accelerate its climate action, including the halving of emissions by 2030. The Government has the Riksdag’s mandate to participate in the recapitalisation on behalf of the Swedish State during 2020 to an amount not exceeding SEK 5 billion. The Government supports the plan that has now been put forward and the measures necessary for its realisation.

The Government has adopted a national strategy for a circular economy that sets out the direction and ambition for a long-term and sustainable transition of Swedish society. This is an important step towards Sweden becoming the world’s first fossil-free welfare nation.

The Government has decided how the Green jobs initiative is to be implemented. The initiative covers the entire country and during the autumn 608 placements are planned for people who are far from the labour market. One aim of the Green jobs initiative is to alleviate unemployment linked to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

The Government has adopted an ordinance that enables the provision of compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities – tie-up support – to commercial fishers who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is being strengthened to meet educational needs and fight unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis. SLU will receive additional funding that will enable it to offer more places on educational programmes in shortage occupations and for lifelong learning.

The Government adopted this ownership policy for state-owned enterprises on 27 February 2020. This policy replaces the previous ownership policy adopted on 22 December 2016. The Government’s principles for corporate governance, remuneration and other terms of employment for senior officers of state-owned enterprises and external reporting in state-owned enterprises form part of the State Ownership Policy.