Swedish Government Approves Military Live Ammunition Exercises Over Lake Vättern Amid Environmental Concerns
The Swedish government has approved military live ammunition exercises over Lake Vättern, raising environmental concerns about water safety.
Key Points
- • The government has authorized live ammunition exercises over Lake Vättern.
- • Aktion Rädda Vättern is concerned about threats to drinking water for 300,000 people.
- • Prime Minister Kristersson prioritizes military readiness over environmental concerns.
- • Legal challenges against the decision may be pursued, including at the EU level.
On June 12, 2025, the Swedish government officially sanctioned military exercises involving live ammunition over Lake Vättern, prompting environmental concerns about potential risks to the water supply of approximately 300,000 residents. The decision allows the military to conduct operations from the Hammaren firing range near Karlsborg, following the resolution of several environmental permits that had long delayed such activities.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson defended the government's decision, stating, "There are good reasons for having various environmental requirements, but they should not systematically hinder the armed forces from carrying out their work," reflecting the government's priority on military readiness amid heightened global security threats. This authorization marks a pivotal shift, as it undermines local considerations and previous recommendations from environmental courts, which suggested limiting military activities to protect the lake's ecosystem.
AKtion Rädda Vättern, an environmental advocacy group, has condemned the government's decision, expressing concerns that live ammunition exercises may contaminate the drinking water they claim is vital for the community. Spokesperson Christer Haagman criticized the government for ignoring the urgings of local authorities and for potentially compromising public health by allowing such exercises to take place.
In response to this development, AKtion Rädda Vättern is preparing to challenge the government's decision through legal means, potentially involving a complaint to the EU Commission, asserting that the move violates EU environmental legislation that seeks to protect water resources. Their planned action indicates the intensity of community opposition to military operations in this ecologically sensitive area.
As the situation unfolds, the government's stance underscores a growing tension between national defense strategies and environmental protection, highlighting a crucial debate regarding the balance of military readiness and ecological preservation in Sweden.