Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Saturday, December 21, 2024

20 Years After the Tsunami

Two decades after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, survivors and families of victims continue to grapple with its impact. Malin Wesén, who lost three of her children in the disaster, shares how she chose to survive for her youngest daughter, Julia.

4 h

Global News

Sweden Considers Lifting Uranium Ban

The Swedish government is moving forward with plans to lift the ban on uranium mining, a prohibition that has been in place since 2018. Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari argues that it is hypocritical to ban uranium mining while relying on nuclear power, which depends on uranium.

16 h

Environment

Holiday Traffic and Weather Warnings

As the holiday season approaches, Swedish authorities are warning drivers to prepare for challenging road conditions. The Swedish Transport Administration predicts heavy traffic on key routes, especially today, Friday, which is expected to be the busiest travel day.

21 h

Travel

Liberals Face Internal Rift Over SD

The Swedish Liberal Party is grappling with internal tensions over its stance on the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD). Party leader Johan Pehrson recently hinted at potential flexibility in collaborating with SD, sparking backlash from within his party.

21 h

Politics

Sweden Faces Climate Policy Crossroads

Sweden's climate challenges are mounting as new data reveals a sharp decline in the carbon absorption capacity of its forests. According to Naturvårdsverket, the net carbon uptake in 2023 dropped by 7% compared to 2022, with tree growth slowing and deforestation increasing.

21 h

Environment

Chinese Factory Faces Swedish Block

Plans for a Chinese PTL factory in Torsboda, Sweden, have been halted due to unmet security requirements set by the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP). PTL, which aimed to invest 13 billion SEK and create 1,900 jobs, claims the conditions are unreasonable, citing tight deadlines and the demand for a Swedish partner to take majority ownership.

Yesterday

Business

TV Star Wanted for Sex Crime Charges

A well-known TV4 personality is now internationally wanted after failing to appear in court for charges of purchasing sexual services 31 times. The man, who was scheduled for a hearing on Thursday, was absent, leading the court to issue an international arrest warrant.

Yesterday

Crime

Sweden Considers Military Role in Ukraine

Sweden's Defense Minister Pål Jonson has stated that the country does not rule out a more direct military presence in Ukraine in the future. In an interview with The Kyiv Independent, Jonson mentioned that Swedish soldiers could potentially assist in training Ukrainian forces or oversee peace negotiations, but only after active fighting ceases.

Yesterday

World

Sweden Plans Support for Returning Citizens

The Swedish government is taking steps to assist two groups of citizens with potential returns. For Syrian refugees in Sweden, the government is preparing to support those who may wish to return to Syria if the situation stabilizes.

Yesterday

Politics

Swedish Police Board Chinese Ship

Swedish police, alongside Chinese authorities, boarded the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3, which has been anchored in the Kattegat for over a month. The ship is under investigation for potential involvement in the recent sabotage of two critical communication cables in the Baltic Sea.

19 December, 12:14

World

Three Arson Attacks Shake Malmö

Malmö experienced a tense night as three separate arson attacks targeted businesses across the city. The incidents occurred at Spiggans plats, Hyllie Allé, and Nobelvägen, with police investigating them as attempted and actual arson cases.

19 December, 07:30

Crime

Söderhamn Siblings Face Uncertain Future

Three siblings in Söderhamn, Sweden, are at the center of a heated debate over child welfare. After two and a half years in a stable foster home, the children face relocation to a new family to strengthen ties with their biological parents, despite their objections.

19 December, 07:30

Society

Sweden Boosts Winter Aid for Gaza

The Swedish government has announced an additional humanitarian aid package of 40 million kronor for Gaza, aimed at supporting children through the harsh winter months. The funds, directed to UNICEF, will provide essential supplies such as clothing, shoes, shelter, education, and psychosocial support.

18 December, 22:40

World

Suspicious Package Sparks School Evacuation

A suspicious package containing a potentially threatening note caused a major police response at Växjö Islamic School on Wednesday. Three staff members who handled the package reported feeling unwell and were taken to the hospital for evaluation.

18 December, 13:44

Crime

Avalanche Risk in Swedish Mountains

Significant avalanche danger has been reported in southern Jämtland's mountains, including Åre, Bydalen, and Sylarna. Experts warn that off-piste skiing poses life-threatening risks due to unstable snow conditions caused by recent heavy snowfall and strong winds.

18 December, 13:44

Weather

Severe Weather Warnings Across Sweden

Sweden is bracing for severe weather as SMHI issues warnings for nearly the entire country. Heavy snowfall and rain are expected to cause icy roads, delays, and disruptions in public transport.

18 December, 09:06

Weather

Explosion Rocks Malmö Restaurant

An explosion shattered the calm in Malmö's Katrinelund area early Wednesday morning, damaging a restaurant but causing no injuries. Initially suspected to be caused by fireworks, police later launched an investigation into public endangerment.

18 December, 04:38

Crime

Traffic Chaos: Multiple Accidents Reported

Traffic conditions turned chaotic on Tuesday afternoon as multiple accidents occurred in a short span of time. One notable incident involved a rear-end collision on the E14 highway near Torvalla, outside Östersund.

18 December, 00:17

Traffic

Explosion Rocks Tyresö, Woman Injured

A powerful explosion in a residential area of Tyresö, southeast of Stockholm, has left a woman seriously injured. The blast occurred in a multi-family building in Bollmora, shattering windows and damaging a doorway.

17 December, 15:22

Crime

Sweden Tightens Asylum Rules

The Swedish government and the Sweden Democrats have proposed stricter asylum rules to address issues in the current system. Under the new plan, individuals whose asylum applications are denied must leave the country before reapplying, with the waiting period extended from four to five years.

17 December, 15:21

Politics

Severe Winter Weather Hits Sweden

Sweden is bracing for severe winter weather as SMHI issues multiple warnings for snow, ice, and strong winds. Starting Tuesday night, heavy rain will move into central Sweden, transitioning to snow by early Wednesday, with up to 10 centimeters expected in some areas.

17 December, 15:21

Weather

Sweden Cracks Down on Pension Fraud

Sweden's Pensions Agency has uncovered significant cases of pension fraud involving individuals living abroad. A recent investigation revealed that some recipients received incorrect payments for over a decade.

17 December, 06:09

Economy

Elderly Man Dies in Vetlanda Accident

An elderly man in his 80s has tragically passed away after being struck by a car in a roundabout in central Vetlanda on Monday afternoon. Despite being rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, his life could not be saved.

17 December, 01:51

Accidents

Musikhjälpen 2024 Raises Over 60 Million

Musikhjälpen 2024 has concluded, raising an impressive 60,070,658 SEK for the cause "Everyone has the right to survive their pregnancy. " This year’s event, hosted by Linnea Wikblad, Assia Dahir, and Emil Hansius, saw a record-breaking 1,046,677 engagements from individuals, organizations, and celebrities.

17 December, 01:51

Culture

Pehrson's Stance on SD Sparks Debate

Johan Pehrson, leader of Sweden's Liberal Party, has reiterated his party's refusal to join a government with the Sweden Democrats (SD). In a recent interview, Pehrson emphasized that while the Liberals are open to re-evaluating positions, such as the Social Democrats did with NATO, they remain firm on this issue for now.

16 December, 21:35

Politics