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Discover how the EU supports your local area
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The Engelsberg ironworks, a World Heritage Site

Västmanland County, Sweden

The Engelsberg ironworks, a World Heritage Site
© Magnus | Adobe Stock

The county principally comprises the central and eastern parts of the province of Västmanland. The population is mostly concentrated around Mälaren, one of Sweden’s largest lakes, with most people living in and around Västerås and Sala. More than half of the county’s population lives in its capital, Västerås. For many years large swathes of Västmanland county were dominated by the iron industry, and Sala silver mine was once the largest in Europe. Today the county is home to major industries such as energy and automation.

Examples of projects and initiatives supported by the EU

Rich Waters - fauna passage by the Falkenberg mill in Västerås

The city of Västerås is helping to spearhead Rich Waters – Sweden’s first project under the EU’s LIFE IP environment programme – which aims to reduce eutrophication and protect rivers. A wildlife crossing is to be built at Falkenberg Mill in Västerås. This will provide migration routes to allow fish to move freely further up the River Svartån to spawning grounds near Åkesta.

The green walk - support for employment seekers

 The European Social Fund supports the ‘Gröna gången’ project in Sala, which uses bespoke measures to support people on long-term sick leave, newcomers and people who have been unemployed for long periods in their efforts to find jobs. As part of the project, various activities relating to wellbeing, careers advice and money management are on offer on an ongoing basis.

Transition of the tourism industry in Västmanland

‘Omställning 2020-2022’ is a project that helps companies in the tourism industry to adapt their business in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to create a clear profile for Västmanland county as an attractive sustainable tourism destination by developing outdoor centres, promoting walking trails and producing digital sales material.

Fossil free and efficient transports

 Sustainable transport is crucial if we are to end our dependence on fossil fuels by 2030. A project focusing on fossil-free, efficient transport in eastern central Sweden helps public authorities cut their carbon emissions by making their transport performance more efficient, converting fleets and purchasing renewable forms of transport via public procurement.

Local on the menu

‘Lokalt på menyn’ is a project designed to raise people’s awareness of, and help them learn about, locally produced food. Local restaurants are working together with local food producers to create completely locally sourced meals to feature on their menus. The project also includes plans to organise trade fairs bringing together producers, restaurants, wholesalers and members of the public.

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