Latest updates from Sweden on a typical Wednesday
Sweden is taking a bold step in its foreign policy, urging the European Union (EU) to suspend the trade component of the EU-Israel Association Agreement as a measure to increase pressure on Israel regarding humanitarian aid access in Gaza. This position was publicly announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in late July 2025.
The government's reasoning is based on Israel's failure to meet its basic obligations concerning humanitarian aid into Gaza. Simultaneously, Sweden emphasizes the importance of pressing Hamas to release hostages unconditionally. This demand to pause the trade agreement with Israel is part of a wider movement among some EU countries, including the Netherlands and Portugal, who are also taking steps to increase economic and diplomatic pressure on Israel amid escalating conflict and humanitarian issues in Gaza.
However, the government's position faces opposition criticism from parties like the Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats, who see the stance as overly one-sided or politically problematic domestically. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, however, maintains that the government's position is coordinated and clear.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, FC Copenhagen and Malmö FF, two rival teams, played in the qualification stages of the Champions League last night. The match between the two teams was given a big billing due to the infrequent opportunity for them to compete.
In a different realm, the Swedish Transport Administration plans to put out a new tender for 91 new carriages, with delivery by 2030 at the latest. Traffic over the Oresund Bridge reached a record high in the first half of 2025, with an average of 20,404 vehicles crossing the bridge daily between January and June. The Oresund Bridge's operator, Øresundsbro Konsortiet, stated that the bridge is playing an increasingly important role in everyday life and business in the region.
Commuting surged by 9.7 percent, and leisure travel among ØresundGO members rose 7.7 percent. However, the Swedish weather forecaster SMHI has issued a warning about the forest fire risk in parts of Oland, Skåne, the area around Gothenburg, and much of southern and central Sweden this week. A fire ban may be in effect in certain areas, and people are asked to check before engaging in activities that could potentially start a fire.
The current wagons on the night train between Stockholm and the far north of Sweden are between 30 and 40 years old. Unfortunately, the Swedish Transport Administration did not receive a bid for new trains, sleeping wagons, and couchette carriages for the night train that met its requirements.
In a twist, Ebba Busch, the leader of the Christian Democrats, claimed she had not agreed on the position regarding the EU-Israel trade deal. Sweden's foreign minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, is following the government's line on the EU suspending a trade deal with Israel.
In conclusion, Sweden's stance towards Israel within the framework of EU trade relations has seen a significant shift, driven primarily by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and political debates over EU responses. This shift represents a relatively recent development in Sweden’s policy towards Israel.
- Despite the ongoing domestic political debate, Sweden's foreign minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, continues to advocate for the government's position on suspending the EU-Israel trade deal.
- Simultaneously, even as the trade concern takes center stage in general-news, the world of sports also witnesses a significant event as FC Copenhagen and Malmö FF compete in the qualification stages of the Champions League.
- In a separate sector, the Swedish weather forecaster SMHI has issued a warning about the forest fire risk in parts of Oland, Skåne, the area around Gothenburg, and much of southern and central Sweden this week, prompting a potential fire ban in certain areas.
