Enterprise and industry

The Government proposes that the Riksdag authorise the Government to take part on behalf of the State in a recapitalisation of SAS AB (SAS) with an amount totalling SEK 5 billion at most. SAS is important to meeting society’s fundamental needs in terms of accessibility by air travel in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. This authorisation means that the Swedish State will be given a mandate to take the measures necessary to enable the State’s participation in a recapitalisation of SAS. If the Swedish State is to take part in a recapitalisation, the Government will work to ensure that SAS sets new ambitious goals to reduce emissions. Participation of the Swedish State also requires approval by the European Commission.

The Government proposes a capital injection of SEK 3 150 million to Swedavia AB in the amending budget to be presented to the Riksdag today. This capital injection will enable the Government to guarantee a state aviation network with good accessibility throughout the country.

The Government proposes a capital injection of SEK 150 million to Lernia AB in the amending budget to be presented to the Riksdag today. This capital injection will give Lernia the conditions to strengthen its financial standing to be able to continue its activities in the area of adult education and staffing.

As of Saturday 13 June, domestic travel is permitted for people with no symptoms. One important prerequisite is that the regions receiving visitors can meet their health care needs. The National Board of Health and Welfare has therefore been tasked with supporting the coordination of the regions’ health care resources during the summer. In addition, the Government will instruct the county administrative boards to carefully monitor compliance with the current recommendations throughout the country.

To mitigate the economic effects on society of the COVID-19 outbreak, several measures have been taken. The measures are intended to provide greater security for those affected by the pandemic by limiting the spread of the virus, combating the effects on businesses and jobs and providing financial security and transition opportunities for those who become unemployed. They are also intended to create the conditions for recovery after the crisis.

At the government meeting on 4 June, the Government decided to refer a proposal to the Council on Legislation with the aim of strengthening efforts against foreign direct investments that threaten Swedish security and public order. At the same time, the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) have been given assignments to further develop these efforts.

Together with the Centre Party and the Liberal Party, the Government is proposing an additional SEK 400 million for Almi Invest. The additional funding is aimed at bridging the crisis in small innovative businesses and avoiding the loss of structural capital and intangible assets in the life science sector and others.

The Swedish Government has adopted an updated strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. The overarching goal continues to be preserving the possibility of effective treatment of bacterial infections in humans and animals. The strategy will apply until the end of 2023.

The Government has decided to change the requirements on Almi Invest’s operations to facilitate investments in new and existing innovative companies. The measure is part of the Government’s efforts to facilitate the supply of capital to companies and reduce the economic consequences of the virus outbreak.

After the European Commission approved the Government’s state aid notification on Wednesday, the Government could today adopt an ordinance on a discount for fixed rental costs in vulnerable sectors as a way to mitigate the financial consequences of the virus outbreak. The new aid is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.