Sweden is advocating its successful smoke-free strategy, largely attributed to the widespread use of snus, as a potential blueprint for the European Union. With daily smoking rates as low as 4.5% among Swedish-born adults, significantly below the EU average, the country highlights snus as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, despite the EU's standing ban on the product.
Hungarian novelist and screenwriter László Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature by the Swedish Academy for his 'compelling and visionary oeuvre'. The 71-year-old author is recognized for his unique, philosophical prose and dystopian themes, and will receive 11 million Swedish kronor.
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. Their pioneering work on macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in electric circuits has laid foundational groundwork for advanced digital technologies, including quantum computing and sensors.
Sweden and Finland co-host a high-level summit in Stockholm on October 7, 2025, focusing on new nuclear energy in the Baltic Sea region. Ministers and industry leaders gather to discuss investments, licensing, and cooperation to enhance energy security and climate goals.
Storm Amy is set to impact Sweden on Saturday, October 4, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. SMHI has issued orange and yellow warnings across various regions, leading to significant cancellations in train and ferry services. Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects and prepare for potential disruptions.
The Swedish Prison and Probation Service has announced the establishment of high-security class 1 facilities for women at Tidaholm and Saltvik institutions. This marks the first time Sweden will have dedicated high-security prisons for female inmates, driven by an increase in women serving longer sentences for serious crimes.
Sweden's Supreme Commander Michael Claesson has confirmed the military's readiness to shoot down intruding aircraft as a last resort to defend Swedish airspace. This stance, echoed by Defense Minister Pål Jonson, follows recent Russian airspace violations over NATO territories and is underpinned by Sweden's IKFN directive and its recent NATO membership.
Sweden's Supreme Commander Michael Claesson and Defense Minister Pål Jonson have affirmed the military's right to shoot down Russian aircraft violating Swedish airspace as a last resort. This firm stance follows recent Russian incursions into NATO airspace and Sweden's recent NATO membership, underscoring a heightened commitment to national sovereignty and collective defense.
Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of murder in Billingsfors, Bengtsfors municipality, Sweden. The arrests follow the discovery of a deceased man who had previously been reported missing. Police have initiated a preliminary investigation into murder, with further inquiries underway to establish the circumstances of the death.
Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard addressed the 80th UN General Assembly on September 25, 2025, condemning Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's offensive in Gaza. She called for accountability for Russia, pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, demanded humanitarian access to Gaza, and advocated for a two-state solution, while also urging Hamas to release hostages.
Sweden has launched 'The Swedish Prescription,' a groundbreaking initiative allowing doctors to recommend travel to the country for health benefits. This program, backed by scientific research, focuses on nature, cultural, and social experiences to improve physical and mental well-being, positioning Sweden as the first nation to offer such a medical approach to tourism.
An ambulance nurse, aged in her 40s, was fatally attacked with a sharp object in Harmånger, Sweden, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, during a low-priority emergency call. A 25-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of murder, sparking community shock and calls for enhanced safety measures for emergency personnel.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) has proposed deregulating radio and television broadcasting via terrestrial networks, citing the dominance of internet streaming and widespread broadband access. The move, set to take effect from January 1, 2026, aims to adapt regulations to current market realities where digital platforms increasingly serve consumer needs.
