The parties within the Environmental Objectives Committee, which is to submit a final report to the government on how international and EU commitments regarding nature conservation and biodiversity are to be achieved, are at odds. The Moderate Party and The Liberals have submitted a proposal that was made with the Centre Party and the Social Democrats before Christmas, according to Joakim Järrebring.
Instead, during Tuesday's meeting, the Tidö parties presented a proposal that defines primeval and natural forests in a different way – as old forests.
"Narrower definition"
According to the Social Democrats, this proposal waters down the commitment to such an extent that Sweden will not be able to live up to its obligations.
It is a much, much narrower definition. As a result, we will not be able to protect the remaining natural forests, simply put, says Järrebring to TT.
The Environmental Objectives Committee, which includes all parliamentary parties, is to submit its final report to the government on February 15. The task includes describing how Sweden is to protect primeval and natural forests and the storage of carbon in soil – proposals that are crucial for Sweden to achieve the EU's various climate goals.
Taken by surprise
Järrebring says that he was taken by surprise by the Moderate Party and The Liberals' announcement and that the committee will likely need an extra meeting to review the impact analysis of the final report.
It was a great disappointment.
The government is now in a situation where it has not received what it requested from a government inquiry. The responsibility now falls heavily on Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) as to how Sweden will fulfill its commitments, now that the committee is not presenting any relevant proposals.
