A study by Stockholm's Chamber of Commerce reveals that 80% of businesses fear difficulties in attracting foreign talent, visitors, and investors to Sweden due to the increasing gun violence.

Stockholm, Sweden, has been a hub for successful musicians and music tech companies, with a legacy that includes Abba and Avicii. Pophouse Entertainment, led by CEO Per Sundin, is creating high-tech entertainment experiences, such as the Abba Voyage stage show. Despite challenges, the company is optimistic about adapting its technology for other legacy artists. Stockholm's music tech success is attributed to its strong music scene, tech-savvy population, and collaborative business culture. Companies like Spotify and Soundcloud originated here, and newer startups like Snafu Records and Corite are navigating economic challenges while innovating with AI and crowdfunding. The city's ecosystem continues to attract global attention and investment, despite some companies struggling to turn a profit.

Volkswagen is set to sell its last gas and diesel models in Norway, as the country leads in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Møller Mobility Group, which imports Volkswagens to Norway, will phase out non-electric models by New Year's Eve. Norway's EV market share has reached around 85%, the highest globally, due to incentives and a strong electric grid. The Norwegian Centre for Transport Research notes a consensus on the 2025 zero emissions goal, but warns that incentives have perpetuated a driving culture, potentially hindering emission reduction efforts. The government has begun rolling back some EV incentives, which could affect affordability and new car sales. The next year is crucial for Norway to maintain its position as an EV leader.

Sweden, historically neutral for over two centuries, applied for NATO membership in May following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Turkey's initial objection, citing Sweden's refuge to Kurdish militants, was addressed by Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson, who prioritized membership and demonstrated efforts against terrorism. A Kurdish man was recently jailed and set for deportation in Sweden, marking the first action under new legislation. Despite concerns over behind-the-scenes assurances to Turkey, Sweden's NATO supporters view membership as crucial for security amid European political volatility. Sweden plans to increase its military budget to 2% of GDP by 2026.

Enjay, a Malmö-based start-up, has developed a heat exchange equipment called Lepido, which recovers energy from kitchen fumes to heat other areas of restaurant buildings, saving costs and reducing emissions. Since its commercial availability in 2018, it has been installed in numerous Burger King franchises and other establishments across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Benelux region. With the global energy crisis, Enjay is seeing increased interest from Europe, Canada, and the US. Trials are underway in the UK, including at Burger King and Turtle Bay restaurants. The technology faces challenges such as high initial costs, but with rising energy prices, the market for heat recovery from kitchen fumes is expected to grow. Enjay's main competitor is a British company called Dext, which has developed a similar product in collaboration with Nando's and Sheffield Hallam University.

A small town in northern Sweden, Boden, is on track to produce Europe's first commercial green steel by 2025. H2 Green Steel, the company behind the project, is using hydrogen technology to reduce emissions by up to 95%. The electricity for hydrogen production and plant operations will come from local fossil-free sources, including hydroelectric power and wind farms. This initiative is part of a broader movement in Europe to transition to low-carbon steel production, with other companies like Hybrit and GravitHy also developing similar projects. The European Union is supporting this shift with new strategies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to make non-green steel imports more expensive and encourage investment in green steel. The next eight years are seen as critical for global steel producers to make decisions about green steel production.

The article discusses the growing trend of individuals, particularly millennials and Generation Z, choosing to live childfree lives and the rise of influencers and online communities that support and celebrate this lifestyle. Marcela Muñoz, a 27-year-old business owner from Kansas, is highlighted as an example of someone who produces content on social media platforms to validate the choice of not having children. The term 'child-free' has been around since the early 20th century, but it has gained new momentum with social media. Studies from the Pew Research Center and YouGov indicate an increasing number of adults in Western countries are actively choosing not to have children. Reasons for this choice vary, including personal preferences, financial and practical concerns, and concerns about climate change and the state of the world. While the childfree movement is growing, social acceptance and understanding of the choice to live without children are changing more slowly. The article also addresses the backlash and criticism faced by childfree individuals, often with a gendered focus, and the role of media in shaping perceptions of the childfree lifestyle.

Indigenous Sami reindeer herders in northern Sweden, including Elle Merete Omma, are facing challenges due to climate change and the expansion of carbon-cutting industries such as wind farms, which they say are encroaching on grazing lands and altering traditional lifestyles. Despite research showing mixed impacts of wind farms on reindeer, the Sami are concerned about the loss of land and conflicts arising from industry expansion. The region is also experiencing growth in renewable energy-powered factories and plans for new mines, which are part of Sweden's green transition but are increasing tensions with local communities. Sami herders argue that these developments threaten their culture and livelihoods, while some locals see potential economic benefits. The situation highlights a 'green versus green' conflict, where the methods of achieving environmental goals are at odds with the needs of indigenous populations.

In Sweden, provocative strategies such as public art exhibitions and advertising campaigns are being used to destigmatize menstruation. Artist Liv Strömquist's menstrual-themed artwork in the Stockholm metro sparked debate and highlighted ongoing taboos. A public advertising campaign by Essity used red liquid to symbolize menstrual blood, challenging the norm of using blue liquid. Initiatives like Forza Football becoming the first 'period-friendly' workplace and the Swedish Army providing menstrual products to soldiers indicate a shift towards openness. Despite progress, activists like Louise Klinter emphasize the need for further education and affordability of menstrual products. The article also discusses the political and cultural reactions to these efforts, including resistance from some quarters.

Magdalena Andersson became Sweden's first female prime minister after a tumultuous week in Swedish politics, which saw her elected, resign, and then re-elected. The political drama began with the retirement of Stefan Lofven and Andersson's subsequent election by a narrow margin, complicated by Sweden's fragmented parliament. Her initial resignation followed the passage of a budget proposed by right-wing parties, including the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. Andersson was later re-elected as the head of a one-party Social Democrat government, marking the first time in 15 years that the party would govern alone. She has pledged to focus on welfare, education, healthcare, climate change, crime, and segregation.