State Postnord is in a difficult position because digitization means that the income-generating letter distribution is declining at an ever faster rate. According to a hitherto unknown and secret report requested by Dagens Nyheter, the company risks going bankrupt if they do not receive government subsidies. Annemarie Gardshol, PostNord's CEO, does not want to comment on the report but says that PostNord's social mission to distribute letters must change - otherwise subsidies may be needed.

- If the state wants to maintain the level we have today, a subsidy may become relevant, but we are not there today, says Annemarie Gardshol to SVT News.

Want the social mission easier

In a first step for Postnord dialogue with the politicians in order to be able to facilitate the mission to save money. This involves, among other things, being able to distribute letters every other day and three days to distribute a letter, which would allow Postnord to completely discontinue air traffic. Postnord already carries out tests on handing out letters every other day.

- We see that is the reality in a couple of three years time. It is more in line with the need that exists, says Annemarie Gardshol.

Risk bankruptcy according to secret report

Over the past 20 years, letter volumes have decreased by 40 percent and volumes will continue to decline, says Gardshol. In 2018, the Swedish and Danish state, which jointly owns Postnord, allowed a consulting firm to review the company's future. Dagens Nyheter has requested the government's Strategic review of Postnord, which was largely covered with black ink.

But the newspaper has talked to a source who has taken part in the entire content.

According to the source, Postnord needs government subsidies in order to survive when that letter operation disappears. If the taxpayers - the state - do not compensate for all unprofitable mail carrier lines, Postnord will go bankrupt, according to the report. Gardshol says forecasts have been discussed with the government, but at present no amounts on current subsidies.