The battery manufacturer Northvolt needs to replenish its coffers and is now looking for new financing. But so far no results of it have been presented. Whether Chinese battery companies, which are world leaders, would be interested in investing or buying the bankruptcy estate has not been revealed. Industry Minister Ebba Busch would rather see existing large owners, above all Volkswagen, step in with more money. The government has therefore met with the German government on the matter.
– We have to think of value chains in a double sense. And it is clear that it is a security policy issue. Should everything in a green transition within Europe go through China or should we own? There is great value in Northvolt today in being a European battery manufacturer, says Ebba Busch (KD).
The government cannot stop Chinese investors. But since last year exists stricter legislation which can prevent foreign investments that harm Sweden. For some industries required reporting obligationand a review by the Inspectorate for Strategic Products, ISP.
So it is these rules and not the government that approves or rejects foreign investment, but Ebba Busch still makes it clear that she would much rather see ownership stay in Europe.
– I have been very clear that we cannot repeat the mistake we made with Russian gas, says Ebba Busch, who urged the European Commission to do more to strengthen competitiveness.