samråd

Samråd is a formal consultative procedure used in Sweden to gather input from authorities, organizations, businesses, property owners, residents and other stakeholders on proposed plans, projects or policies that may affect the environment, health or local communities. The process is initiated by a competent authority, such as a municipality or a government agency, and is intended to increase transparency, incorporate relevant knowledge and improve the quality of decision-making. It is not a decision-making body in itself.

The purpose of samråd is to provide a broad basis for the authority’s eventual decision by identifying potential impacts, alternatives and measures to mitigate negative effects. It is commonly used during planning and permitting processes, including planning under the Plan- och bygglagen (PBL) and in environmental matters governed by the Miljöbalken (Environmental Code). In cases with significant environmental or health considerations, samråd can be an obligatory step as part of the environmental impact assessment framework.

Typical use and process involve the lead authority presenting a case—often a zoning plan, development plan, or project proposal—together with relevant factual material such as maps and impact statements. Stakeholders are invited to submit written statements, and sometimes participate in hearings or meetings within a defined time frame. The input is compiled into a samrådsredogörelse (record of consultation), which the authority uses to inform final decisions.

Participants in samråd can include municipal staff, county administrative boards, other public agencies, property owners, tenants, local associations, businesses and, when relevant, organizations representing affected interests or indigenous groups. The procedure is advisory in nature; the final decision rests with the competent authority, which may proceed to further assessments or permits if needed.