Västerås Municipality Moves to Reclaim Russian Orthodox Church Property Amid Security Concerns
Västerås Municipality supports a proposal to take over the Russian Orthodox Church property due to security concerns related to its proximity to the airport.
Key Points
- • Proposal to take over Russian Orthodox church property near Västerås airport due to security risks.
- • Municipal council decision expected on May 20, 2025, influenced by renewed media scrutiny.
- • Concerns highlighted about potential espionage due to church's proximity to a protected site.
- • Legal complexities surrounding expropriation may require external consultation.
Västerås Municipality is advancing a proposal to take over the property of the Russian Orthodox Church, located just 300 meters from the Västerås airport, citing national security risks as a significant driver behind this action. The decision is anticipated to come to a vote during an upcoming municipal council meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2025. This initiative, led by the Moderaterna party, gained momentum following intense media scrutiny from SVT, which reignited discussions on the implications of the church's location in relation to the airport.
The municipality's management office has voiced strong support for the proposal, emphasizing concerns about potential espionage risks tied to the church's proximity to a protected site. "The potential for espionage activities cannot be overlooked given the current geopolitical climate and the church's association with Russia," stated a representative from the management office. This is especially relevant as Sweden has heightened its focus on national security issues involving any Russian entities.
Staffan Jansson, chair of the municipal council from the Social Democrats, confirmed that the majority of council members are backing the plan to expropriate the church property, which includes a proposal to also evaluate the necessity of acquiring more land around the airport to enhance operational safety. This multifaceted review reflects the municipality’s commitment to ensuring the long-term security and sustainability of the area surrounding the airport.
Due to the complex legal nature of expropriating property linked to the Russian state, the municipality’s legal team has recommended consulting external experts on the matter. If the municipal council approves the proposal, it will subsequently be referred to the central government for compulsory acquisition approval, a process that is noted to be intricate and rarely undertaken.
Attempts by SVT to reach Pavel Makarenko, the priest of the Russian Orthodox Church, for comments regarding this proposal have been unsuccessful, as he has previously avoided media engagement.