Three Swedish Greens MEPs have asked the European Commission whether it is confident that Sweden is correctly applying EU water rules when permitting new mining projects that threaten drinking water supplies. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 20 April 2026, Alice Kuhnke, Isabella Lövin and Pär Holmgren (all Verts/ALE) warn that planned mining operations in Medelpad and Jämtland – including alum shale extraction in Oviken and lithium mining near the Indalsälven river – could affect water systems serving around 37,000 inhabitants of Sundsvall and Timrå. The local water authority Mittsverige Vatten has raised serious concerns about long-term water quality.
The question targets a potential conflict between EU environmental law and the Commission's push for more domestic mining. The MEPs note that since 2024 the Commission has pursued infringement procedure INFR(2024)2236 against Sweden for failing to properly implement the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). At the same time, through its RESourceEU action plan and other schemes, the Commission is advocating for increased mining in the EU and faster permitting processes.
whether the Commission believes Sweden is correctly implementing the Water Framework Directive and drinking water rules in the context of new mining permits; whether granting permits when there is evidence of serious risks to drinking water is compatible with EU rules; and how the Commission intends to ensure that its push for more mining and streamlined permitting does not undermine EU environment and water rules or citizens' access to clean drinking water.
The question reflects a tension between two EU policy objectives: securing critical raw materials for the green transition and protecting water resources under existing environmental legislation. The MEPs are effectively asking the Commission to clarify how it will reconcile these goals, particularly in guidance documents. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it sees a need to strengthen safeguards or whether it considers current rules sufficient to prevent harm to drinking water.
Stakeholders directly affected include residents of Sundsvall and Timrå who rely on the threatened water sources, Swedish mining companies facing potential permitting delays or additional conditions, the Swedish government as the addressee of the infringement procedure, and EU raw materials policy architects who must balance supply security with environmental compliance.
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