While the world tackles the climate crisis, other countries should learn from the Swedish example. That was the message from US climate envoy John Kerry and Executive Vice-President Margarete Vestager at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise’s Future Meeting, which largely focused on EU and international issues.
Fredrik Persson, President of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, began by pointing out that everything starts with businesses; both fighting climate change and the post-pandemic recovery.
“It is through businesses that we build Swedish welfare and competitiveness. And it is our task, as the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, to make it possible for companies to start up, grow and prosper.”
It was something that US climate envoy John Kerry seemed to believe was going rather well.
“Sweden is one of the great leaders of the world, for showing that you don’t need to choose between protecting the environment and economic prosperity. We hope that other are going to learn from Swedens example, and that Sweden and Swedish businesses will take on an even greater leadership role on climate,” he said.
Kerry stressed that scientists and experts are unequivocal that global warming must not exceed 1.5 degrees if we are to avoid the most catastrophic consequences.
“It is possible. It will mean that everyone - states, businesses, banks, organisations – all of us, must do more. We need to set more ambitious goals, and we have to do so urgently. We must act immediately,” he said.
At the climate summit initiated by US President Joe Biden last month, 55% of the worlds economies signed up to the new, more ambitious climate targets.
“That shows we’re on the right track, but we need the remaining 45% on– particularly the major nations of Asia.”
John Kerry is clear that while there may be a climate crisis, there is also an opportunity.
“In the next few decades, we are going to see the greatest transition since the industrial revolution - literally. We know that those that act first will be in the best position to benefit, and we need to focus on this new economy like a laser.
Jan-Olof Jacke, Director General of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, welcomed John Kerry’s clear message.
“We see in our member companies that they recognise climate change not as a burden but as an opportunity. Sweden has a massive role to play in creating the right conditions for companies, by improving permit processes and by dismantling barriers. I am convinced that Swedish companies will compete well.”
Another speaker was Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, who placed the emphasis on European cooperation and the importance of the EU single market. She believed that the foundation is always the common market, something that many companies realised during the pandemic when value chains fractured. She also stressed the importance of listening to businesses during the transformation that confronts us.
“It is important to work with business, and I am counting on you to lead the way. It is obvious that Sweden has a head start.I see impressive companies and impressive leadership. I believe in a state that provides supports for the industry and for innovation where is needed, but it is the businesses that must lead the way.”
Another aspect discussed at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise’s Future Meeting was international trade. Some companies are now back to pre-pandemic levels of business, others are not yet out of the crisis. At the same time, discussions over free trade and protectionism remain a hot topic within the EU.
“There is still cause for concern. Put simply, the EU finds itself at a crossroads. One direction, the one which Sweden has followed, will return us to what made us strong in the past, such as free trade and openness. Other voices advocate a more closed Europe, relying on European value chains rather than global ones. From a trade policy perspective, it would be unfortunate if the latter direction took precedence,” said Anna Stellinger, Head of International and EU Affairs at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise.
Her position was backed by Social Democrat MEP Heléne Fritzon.
“Exports are a cornerstone of the Swedish economy. I see great opportunities as we emerge jointly from the pandemic to build a new, green and gender-equal economy, one that takes into account the climate transition. If we can then put in place strong trade agreements without trade barriers, we will have excellent opportunities to strengthen both companies and people’s life chances,” she said.
Moderate Party MEP Jörgen Warborn, sees danger from the winds of protectionism blowing ever stronger. Businesses and politicians at all levels need to be helped to resist this trend, and he called on the business community to take a more prominent role in the debate.
“There are so many challenges facing right now, such as the discussion on patent revocation and various export restrictions. Politicians should stay out of value chain discussions and focus on making it easier for companies wherever they can.”
Susanne Ydstedt