A functional defence - with a substantially strengthened defence capability
Sweden's defence must be well-prepared to be able to defend this country and to contribute to stability in the surrounding world. This requires a defence system that is adapted to today's threats and to the rapid sequences of events in which conflicts can arise and be determined. It requires a functional, available and flexible defence. For this reason, the Government is now setting a new direction for the Swedish defence system with a substantially strengthened defence capability.
Sweden's climate policy ambition
Yesterday the Government presented the report "En sammanhållen klimat- och energipolitik" (A Cohesive Climate and Energy Policy). The Government Bills propose a 40 per cent target for Sweden's reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and an integrated action programme to achieve the target. Three action plans - for a fossil-fuel independent transport sector, the promotion of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency - are being presented.
New green cars to be exempted from vehicle tax
Green cars will be exempted from vehicle tax for five years, while vehicle tax will be raised by SEK 5 per gram of carbon dioxide a car emits. The vehicle tax on heavy goods vehicles and large buses will be lowered and the energy tax on diesel raised by SEK 0.40 per litre by 2013. These are some of the proposed economic policy instruments that the Government will present in its energy and climate bill.
Carl Bildt to Brussels for Troika meeting with Joseph Biden
On 10 March, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will take part in an EU-US Troika meeting on Afghanistan with US Vice President Joseph Biden.
Presentation of a new multilateral development cooperation
Monday 9 March Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson presented the reform of multilateral development cooperation. This is one element of the ongoing overall reform work in Swedish development cooperation which also includes country focus and a stronger emphasis on results. The assessments of a number of multilateral humanitarian and development organisations that have been carried out at the Government Offices and Sida are also published today.
Phosphates in dishwasher detergents banned from 1 July 2011
In its upcoming maritime policy bill, the Government intends to introduce a ban on phosphates in dishwasher detergents for private use. The aim is that the use of phosphates in detergents and cleaning agents should be reduced and eventually replaced altogether with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Climate negotiations in focus when EU environment ministers meet in Brussels
EU environment ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday, 2 March, to decide what contribution the Environment Council will make to the European Council on 19-20 March. Their discussions will primarily deal with the EU's position on the international climate negotiations and what view the EU will take of a global climate regime after 2012.
Statement by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on the royal engagement
On 24 February 2009 the Government decided, in accordance with Article 5 of the Act of Succession, to give its consent to the marriage between Crown Princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling.
Pharmacy market reform bill submitted to the Riksdag
The Government submitted the proposal on the re-regulation of the pharmacy market to the Riksdag on 20 February 2009. The aim of the reform is to create the conditions for more pharmacies with longer opening hours, a liberalisation of the rules on operating a pharmacy in Sweden.
Government proposes including aviation activities in Emissions Trading Scheme
February 19 the Government decided to present a proposal entitled Aviation and the Emissions Trading System to the Council on Legislation. The intention is to include aviation activities in the Emissions Trading Scheme as of 2012.
