Long considered a champion in environmental protection and the fight against climate change, the Scandinavian country has set a goal of net zero emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the European Union's target.

But Sweden might not be able meet either of those goals, according to a review conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a 38-member group of mostly developed nations.

"Over the last decade, the country has cut its greenhouse gas emissions faster than the EU average," the report said.

"However, recent policy shifts, particularly in the transport sector, have put into question Sweden's ability to meet EU and domestic climate targets."

One of the main reasons is cuts on petrol taxes, a key election campaign promise enacted in the September 2023 budget by Sweden's right-wing government, backed by the far right.

The OECD drew up a list of recommendations for Sweden in the fields of energy, transport, biodiversity, water and agriculture.

"Supplementary measures such as verified emission reductions abroad, increased carbon sinks and bioenergy carbon capture and storage, can account for up to 15 percent of the total emission reductions needed by 2045," it said.

"However, their contribution in meeting climate targets remains uncertain."

The report also noted that while the Swedish economy is more energy intensive than the OECD European average, it is among the least carbon intensive, thanks to its production of nuclear power, hydropower, bioenergy and, increasingly, wind power.

Sweden's electricity consumption is expected to double to 300 Terawatt hours (TWh) by 2045, according to the government.

In a statement to AFP, Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari said the report "does not account for policy progress made in 2024 and 2025, including new climate measures that put Sweden on track" to meet the EU targets for 2030.

"While Sweden is indeed on course to achieve several climate objectives, challenges remain," Pourmokhtari said, highlighting the forestry sector.

In January, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) criticised Sweden for not adequately protecting primary and old-growth forests from logging.