The County Administrative Board in Stockholm has put a stop to the city's plans to implement Environmental Zone 3, a move that would have made Stockholm the first city in the world to introduce such a stringent environmental zone. The decision comes after the board reviewed the city's proposal and found it lacking in thorough research and consideration of the potential impacts on businesses, residents, and the environment.

Environmental Zone 3 was designed to significantly reduce air pollution in the city center by banning gasoline and diesel vehicles from certain streets within the area bounded by Kungsgatan, Birger Jarlsgatan, Hamngatan, and Sveavägen. Only electric vehicles or those running on alternative, low-emission fuels would have been permitted. However, the plan faced criticism from various quarters, including the city's opposition and local business owners, who argued it would deter people from visiting the area and harm commerce.

The County Administrative Board's rejection is based on the city's failure to meet its obligation to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the zone's effects. The board highlighted that Stockholm did not follow the Transport Agency's recommendations for impact analysis, particularly regarding the zone's effects on the local economy, residents, and its environmental sensitivity compared to other areas. The city now has the option to appeal the decision to the Transport Agency or submit a new, more detailed proposal.

This setback for Stockholm's environmental ambitions underscores the challenges cities face in balancing environmental goals with economic and social considerations. The city's political leadership, led by the Green Party, remains committed to reducing air pollution and may revisit the plan with a more robust analysis. Meanwhile, opponents of the zone, including the Moderate Party, have welcomed the board's decision, viewing it as a victory for businesses and residents who voiced concerns over the plan's feasibility and impact.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has further solidified its support for the expansion of Stockholm's metro system by approving an additional loan of 4.5 billion SEK (approximately 400 million euros) to Region Stockholm and Stockholm City. This latest financial injection brings the EIB's total commitment to the project to over 12 billion SEK, marking it as the bank's largest investment in Swedish public transport to date.

The expansion project, one of the largest EU-funded infrastructure initiatives in Sweden, encompasses the construction of three new metro lines, approximately 30 kilometers of new tracks (including about 20 kilometers of double-track tunnels), and 18 new stations. Additionally, the project will facilitate the development of 130,500 new homes along the new routes, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and efficient public transport in the Stockholm region.

Thomas Östros, Vice President of the EIB, emphasized the project's significance, stating, 'This investment strengthens both sustainable mobility and regional development. By contributing additional funding, we demonstrate our long-term commitment to climate-smart investments in Europe's growing cities. The project is an excellent example of how EU funding can benefit both residents and the climate.'

The expansion is a collaborative effort involving the state, Region Stockholm, and the municipalities of Järfälla, Nacka, Solna, and Stockholm. With a budget of 54 billion SEK at the 2016 price level, the project is a cornerstone in Stockholm's strategy to achieve its climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. The new metro lines are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a viable alternative to car travel, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the region's residents.