After a few intense days, it’s time to reflect on the key takeaways from Almedalen 2025. This year’s event marked a clear shift in how sustainability is discussed: from a moral obligation to a business-critical necessity — and increasingly, a matter of national security.
As usual, business leaders, politicians, civil society, and academia gathered in Visby. Despite global instability, the atmosphere was hopeful, with a strong focus on solutions, opportunities, and collaboration. Here are four insights we believe are worth highlighting:
1. Preparedness as the New Framework for Sustainability
If there was one word that echoed throughout this year’s sustainability discussions, it was preparedness. The concept was used to frame everything from climate adaptation and energy supply to emergency readiness. It’s no longer just about reducing emissions — sustainability is increasingly seen as a resilience strategy for a society under pressure.
Concrete examples included the role of district heating in Sweden’s total defense strategy and the importance of domestically produced fuels and locally sourced food during times of crisis.
Several seminars emphasized how corporate and municipal climate investments also strengthen societal resilience. Upgrading outdated water and sewage infrastructure was presented as essential for building a robust society, while circular business models and local production were seen as tools for greater self-sufficiency. A clear takeaway emerged: resilience depends on sustainability — and vice versa.
2. Business in the Lead: From Ambition to Frustration
Companies and industry associations stepped up as sustainability leaders. Many shared ambitious plans for fossil-free production, electrification, reuse, and digital innovation. Still, the tone was tinged with frustration: despite strong intentions, long-term policies and supportive infrastructure are often lacking.
One clear example is truck manufacturer Scania, which is heavily investing in electric vehicles but warns that policy signals are moving in the wrong direction. Biofuels are becoming more expensive, charging infrastructure is lagging, and the bonus-malus system has been weakened. Their message was clear: “The industry is ready — is the government?”
Similar concerns were raised by construction firms, energy companies, and property owners. Business leaders called for faster permitting processes, stable incentives, and stronger climate leadership from the state. Many highlighted that policy volatility is a major barrier to investment, especially in long-lead sectors. The message was loud and clear: businesses are willing, but they need predictable conditions to go all in.
3. Political Absence and Growing Polarization on Climate
Almedalen 2025 confirmed that climate has become one of the most politically divisive issues in Sweden. The party leaders from the Center Party and the Green Party used their speeches to heavily criticize the government’s shift in climate policy, while the ruling coalition parties barely mentioned the topic — focusing instead on energy (particularly nuclear) and household finances.
Another striking observation was the notable absence of top government politicians, who deprioritized Almedalen this year. This weakened the democratic dialogue and left businesses, academia, and civil society to carry much of the discussion. There is growing concern that the government’s reluctance to actively drive the transition could create a setback — even if the long-term direction remains intact.
4. Stability and Collaboration: Critical for the Next Step
As always, one of the most repeated messages from the business sector was: “We need long-term thinking and collaboration.” Whether discussing transport transformation, grid expansion, or climate reporting, stakeholders emphasized the importance of stable regulations, broad political agreements, and cross-sector partnerships.
It became evident that cooperation between business, the public sector, and civil society is not optional — it’s essential. And this was not just talk: real examples were presented, including local partnerships, cluster initiatives, and co-financed research programs.
Conclusion: Frustrated Businesses Keep Driving the Transition
It’s clear that businesses are still pushing the transition forward. Many expressed frustration: they’ve done their homework, begun reshaping their products and operations to meet sustainability challenges — but policy support is falling short. They are calling for tools and incentives that make sustainable choices economically viable — something that is still missing. Political focus has shifted to defense and security, rather than enabling the green transition.
And yet, the passion remains. The sustainability gatherings at Almedalen were well attended — not just as networking events but as a source of energy and momentum. There was a strong sense of people drawing strength from each other, of not wanting to feel alone in the fight for transformation.
And perhaps that was the most hopeful insight of all: despite uncertainty, despite political inertia, the direction is clear. Businesses are on board. Society wants this. The public is asking for change. Almedalen 2025 confirmed: the transition is happening. So don’t wait, politicians — the train is about to leave the station. It’s time to get on board.
Rebecka Hovenberg
Senior consultant at 2050
Detta inlägg är en del av 2050 belyser, en serie där vi lyfter aktuella frågor inom hållbarhet och näringsliv. Vill du veta mer om hur ditt företag kan navigera i det förändrade regelverket? Kontakta oss på 2050!