Sweden has low population density, a long coastline, thousands of lakes and freshwater streams, and 68% forest coverage.
Overall, the country has a good record in implementing EU environmental legislation. However, certain aspects of the environmental status of lakes, rivers, marine and groundwater and of several terrestrial ecosystems remain problematic, not least as regards eutrophication and threats to biodiversity.
Highlights
Organic farming practices are wide-spread in Sweden, with almost 20% of the country’s agricultural land used for organic farming. This is the third best in the EU and much higher than the EU average of 10.50%.
Main Challenges
Nature and biodiversity
Biodiversity loss is the greatest environmental problem in Sweden. 77% of habitats and 51% of species in Sweden show unfavourable conservation status. Moreover, the situation varies across habitats groups: only 6% of assessed forest habitats protected under the Habitats Directive have a favourable conservation status, while all the others have unfavourable statuses.
Circular economy
The circular use of material and resource productivity in Sweden continue to be below the EU average. Incineration is the main type of waste treatment in Sweden, accounting for 59% of all waste treated. Sweden has a relatively low preparing for reuse and recycling rates, mainly due to low capture rates of recyclables.
Pollution
Despite improvements regarding air quality, the latest reported data shows continued non-compliance with the 2020-2029 emission reduction commitment for NH3 and also projects non-compliance with 2030 onwards emission reduction commitments for NOx and NH3.
Governance and investment
The current investment gap stands at an estimated €8.5 billion per year in Sweden, representing around 1.52% of the national GDP – higher than the EU average of 0.77%.
Sweden needs to improve access to courts for the public concerned when it comes to challenging administrative or regulatory decisions. Plans and programmes are not considered administrative Acts under Swedish law and are therefore not considered to be decisions that can be appealed by individuals or NGOs. There is no legal remedy against these legal instruments.