Politics & Government
Sweden Finalizes $550M Gripen Fighter Deal with Thailand
Sweden and Thailand have finalized an agreement for the purchase of four new Gripen E/F fighter jets from Swedish defense firm Saab. The contract, valued at approximately $550 million USD, includes the aircraft, along with associated equipment, support, and training, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030. This deal underscores Sweden’s continued role as a key defense exporter.
Foreign Minister Delivers Speech on Ukraine’s Independence Day
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard delivered a speech affirming Sweden’s unwavering support for the country. Her remarks, made at a public event in Stockholm, reiterated that Sweden stands firmly with Ukraine, a policy that has broad support among the Swedish people.
Economy & Business
OMX Stockholm 30 Index Closes Lower as Key Sectors Decline
The OMX Stockholm 30 index closed today with a loss of 0.78%. The downturn was driven primarily by losses in the Industrials, Healthcare, and Basic Materials sectors, signaling a negative close to the trading week.
Duroc Rail Signs Eight-Year Maintenance Contract with SJ
Duroc Rail, a company specializing in railway wheel maintenance, has secured an eight-year contract with SJ, Sweden’s state-owned passenger train company. The agreement covers the maintenance and transportation of approximately 500 wheelsets per year and is a strategically important deal for Duroc Rail.
Stadler Wins CHF100 Million Train Contract in Sweden
Swiss company Stadler has won a contract in Sweden worth around 94 million Swiss francs. The deal includes the delivery of ten electric multiple-unit trains, which will replace older vehicles on the Roslagsbanan network in Stockholm.
Health & Environment
World Water Week 2025 Opens in Stockholm
The annual World Water Week event is now underway in Stockholm, welcoming participants from around the globe to explore the theme of “Water for Climate Action.” The event highlights the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration to place water at the heart of climate strategies.
SEI Appoints New Director to Bridge Science and Policy
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) has appointed Annika Markovic as its first Engagement and Impact Director. Her role will be to drive stronger international engagement and ensure that SEI’s research effectively informs key policy decisions and global environmental assessments.
Culture & Society
Historic Kiruna Church is Successfully Moved to New Location
The historic Kiruna church, a 672-ton wooden building, was successfully relocated to its new site as part of the ongoing urban transformation project in Kiruna. The massive undertaking, necessitated by mining-induced ground subsidence, was live-streamed and watched by thousands of people.
Ecumenical Patriarch Joins Appeal for Peace and Unity in Uppsala
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a special service at Uppsala Cathedral to commemorate the centennial of the 1925 Life and Work meeting. The event brought together ecumenical voices to issue an appeal for peace and unity in a time of global conflict.
Sports
Swedish Women’s Volleyball Team Swept by Thailand at World Championship
The Swedish women’s national volleyball team was defeated by Thailand with a score of 3-0 at the World Championship today. Despite the loss, the team showed strong performances in a challenging match.
Finnkampen Athletics Match Between Sweden and Finland Begins
The historic Finnkampen athletics match between Sweden and Finland, which premiered in 1925, is underway. The competition, which alternates between the two countries each year, is being held in Stockholm this year.
