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Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Polaris of Enlightenment

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https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/swedish-government-prepares-ten-year-primary-school/

Sweden

Swedish government prepares ten-year primary school

Published 3 February 2025
– By Editorial Staff
From the fall term of 2028, the Swedish government wants to see a 10-year primary school.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The Swedish Government has now decided on a legislative proposal to introduce a ten-year primary school from fall 2028.

Although the preschool class is already compulsory, its transformation into the first year of primary school will bring significant changes for both children and teachers.

Specifically, the proposal will replace the pre-primary class with a new first year of primary school, focusing on early literacy and basic math skills.

In a government press release, Minister for Education Lotta Edholm emphasizes that the change aims to reintroduce a strong knowledge-based education system in Sweden. She emphasizes that six-year-olds will receive a more structured and teacher-led education from the start of school.

– We are now taking a further step to reintroduce a strong school of knowledge in Sweden by making compulsory school ten years old. This will mean that all six-year-olds will receive a more structured and teacher-led education from the start of school, which will focus more on basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic, says Lotta Edholm.

Nine becomes ten

The new grade 1 will be integrated into primary school, making grade 10 the final grade. Teaching will be based on primary school subjects and curricula, but will also be age-appropriate.

It is hoped that this will lead to fewer transitions between school types and more continuous development in pupils’ learning.

The reform also covers adapted primary schools, special schools and Sami schools.

The proposal is based on an agreement between the government and the Sweden Democrats and is said to aim to create a more equal education for all pupils.

Minister of Culture: “Stronger foundation for being a citizen in a democracy”

Patrick Reslow, education policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats, points out that preschool classes have varied across the country and lacked a clear structure.

– It is good that we are now strengthening the equivalence of early years education throughout the country. Preschool classes have functioned well to varying degrees, but have lacked a clear structure. Replacing the preschool class with a new first grade in primary school creates better conditions for strengthening the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. This will benefit knowledge acquisition in later years, says Patrick Reslow.

Mathias Bengtsson, education policy spokesperson for the Christian Democrats, sees the reform as an important step in reversing the trend of declining knowledge results in Swedish schools.

Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand emphasizes the importance of early and structured education to develop literacy. She believes that it is largely a question of improving democracy.

– By starting primary school earlier, we create a stronger foundation for students’ literacy learning. Reading and owning the language is a foundation for being an active and informed citizen in a democracy.

Timetable and budget

The government plans to introduce a ten-year primary school from autumn 2028, allowing time for necessary preparations and adjustments within the school system.

The budget for 2025 includes several investments in schools. Among other things, the government is increasing the knowledge grant by SEK 700 million (€60 million), intended to hire more teachers and special needs teachers.

In addition, SEK 850 million (€75 million) is allocated to improve order and study peace. Of this, SEK 100 million (€8.5 million) is earmarked for emergency schools, which will deal with acute problems of order more quickly.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/sweden-now-free-of-battery-cages-for-hens/

Sweden

Sweden now free of battery cages for hens

Published today 7:17
– By Editorial Staff
As recently as 1988, only five percent of laying hens in Sweden were kept outside of cages.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

According to Animal Rights Sweden (Djurens Rätt), Sweden is now completely free from caged hens – despite the absence of a legal ban.

This is shown by statistics compiled by the animal rights organization from Swedish county administrative boards and the egg industry. The organization describes it as a breakthrough after more than 50 years of work against cage farming and claims a significant part of the credit for this development.

– Sweden being cage-free is enormously important for the hens – and a victory for all who have stood by their side. Animal Rights Sweden’s members have shown that change is possible, even when politics fails, says Benny Andersson, Secretary General of Animal Rights Sweden.

According to the organization, Sweden is the first country in the world to eliminate caged hen farming without an explicit legal prohibition.

“Advocacy work makes a difference”

Opposition to cage farming began in the 1970s. In 1988, the Swedish Parliament decided to ban cages, but when the ten-year transition period expired, cage farming remained – and the law was changed. According to Animal Rights Sweden, this led to an intensification of their work.

The organization highlights reports such as “The Hen or the Egg” (2009) and “Release the Cages” (2022), along with recurring information campaigns and corporate dialogues. Another important step was the “Animal-Friendly Municipality” initiative, where all Swedish municipalities eventually opted out of caged eggs in public procurement.

Since 2008, over 85 companies in Sweden – including grocery chains, hotels, and restaurants – have rejected cage farming after discussions with the organization. According to Animal Rights Sweden, this has been crucial for the development. They estimate that at least 17 million hens have avoided a life in cages since then.

– It’s the committed animal friends around Sweden who have brought this to shore. We have influenced companies, municipalities, and run campaigns without giving up. This is clear proof that long-term and persistent advocacy work makes a difference, says Benny Andersson.

“Sweden must take the next step”

In parallel, Animal Rights Sweden has been involved in the EU’s work to phase out cage farming. The organization has collected over 50,000 signatures for the European Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age”. A legislative proposal was expected in 2023 but has been postponed to 2026.

Even though cages are practically gone in Sweden, Animal Rights Sweden argues that the work is not finished.

– We have seen fantastic development, but now Sweden must take the next step. Animal Rights Sweden demands an immediate legal ban on cage farming. There’s nothing to wait for now, urges Benny Andersson.

Despite the empty cages, many critics argue that Swedish hens still live under substandard conditions – for example, in crowded barns with thousands of individuals, where access to outdoor areas is often completely lacking.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The path to a cage-free Sweden

  • 1988 – A new Swedish animal welfare law promises to ban cage housing. At this time, 95 percent of Sweden's laying hens are kept in conventional battery cages.
  • 1997–2005 – The promised cage ban is withdrawn. Only conventional battery cages are banned. Egg labeling is introduced to allow consumers to opt out of cage eggs.
  • 2008 – Djurens Rätt (Animal Rights Sweden) launches its first major corporate campaign against cage eggs. Hemköp, a Swedish grocery chain, becomes the first to take a stand. At this time, 40 percent of hens are kept in cages.
  • 2013–2017 – Several major Swedish grocery chains, including Coop, Willys, Lidl, Netto, and City Gross, stop selling cage eggs. The proportion of caged hens drops rapidly.
  • 2017 – Djurens Rätt expands its work to include private label products in retail chains. The proportion of caged hens decreases to 13 percent during this period.
  • 2019 – After dialogue with Djurens Rätt, Sweden's three largest wholesalers adopt policies against cage eggs. The "Free the Cages" campaign is launched. The proportion of caged hens drops to 8 percent.
  • 2020–2021 – The EU Commission promises to implement a ban on cage farming, following the End the Cage Age citizens' initiative, where Djurens Rätt was a driving force.
  • 2021 – After a 13-year campaign, ICA (Sweden's largest grocery retailer) says no to cage eggs. 95 percent of Swedish municipalities have also opted out of cage eggs in public procurement. Only 3.5 percent of hens are now kept in cages.
  • 2024–2025 – The wholesaler Martin & Servera completes its phase-out of cage eggs. In total, over 85 companies have adopted policies after dialogue with Djurens Rätt. Less than 1 percent of hens are kept in cages.
  • 2025 – Djurens Rätt receives official confirmation: All cages in Sweden are now empty.

 

Source: Djurens Rätt

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/sweden-faces-declining-birth-rates-government-launches-inquiry-into-causes/

Sweden

Sweden faces declining birth rates – government launches inquiry into causes

Published yesterday 16:47
– By Editorial Staff
Even during periods of economic prosperity, few Swedes choose to have children. This trend continues despite Sweden's internationally recognized comprehensive social welfare system and generous parental benefits.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Birth rates in Sweden have reached historically low levels. During 2023, the average was 1.43 children per woman – the lowest figure ever recorded. Now the Swedish government is launching an investigation to understand why fewer people want to start families.

– The state needs to consider factors that create barriers to having children, such as housing, economy, gender equality, and work-life balance, said Swedish Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed (Christian Democrats) at a press conference on Monday.

If this trend continues, each new generation will be approximately 30 percent smaller than the previous one. This poses significant consequences for the labor market and welfare system when fewer working-age individuals must support a growing elderly population.

– Having children should be a personal choice, but it affects society at large, noted Forssmed, who also identified modern dating culture as one of the culprits.

– There are indications that relationships formed through dating apps are generally more short-lived and therefore less likely to lead to family formation.

During 2023, 95,800 children were born in Sweden – a decrease of 1,600 compared to the previous year, according to Statistics Sweden. The decline is visible across all regions and social groups.

Low birth rates despite economic boom

Historically, birth rates have often followed economic cycles, but this correlation has broken down. Despite strong economic growth during the 2010s and a parental benefits system that is both generous and well-functioning by international standards, birth rates have continued to decline.

– Birth rates are decreasing despite Sweden experiencing an economic boom and having a largely well-functioning preschool system and generous parental leave, says Forssmed.

The Swedish government now wants to identify other factors that may be causing young people to refrain from having children. According to research cited by Forssmed, today one in four young women hesitates to become a parent – a sharp increase compared to ten years ago when the figure was one in ten.

One partial explanation highlighted by the Social Affairs Minister is the challenging and, for many, inaccessible Swedish housing market.

– For many, the dream of owning a house is delayed or remains unfulfilled.

Mental health and existential crises

The government also wants to examine more existential factors: how concerns about the future, mental health issues, and feelings of meaningfulness affect views on parenthood.

– We know that many young people seek psychiatric care and many report that life lacks meaning. It’s difficult to envision caring for children when it’s challenging to take care of your own well-being, Forssmed continued.

The task of leading the government investigation has been assigned to Åsa Hansson, Associate Professor of Economics. The reference group includes Anna Björklund, author of “Kvinnomanualen” (The Woman’s Manual), and Micael Dahlén, Professor of Happiness and Well-being at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/swedish-government-investigator-sees-no-need-for-national-ban-on-begging/

Sweden

Swedish government investigator sees no need for national ban on begging

Published 30 June 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Former Supreme Court Justice Krister Thelin presents the investigation report to Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Begging has decreased, local bans are working, and a national ban is not necessary. This is claimed by Court of Appeal Judge Krister Thelin – even as he, commissioned by the government, still proposes criminalizing begging in Sweden.

On Monday, the investigation A National Ban on Begging (Ett nationellt förbud mot tiggeri) was submitted to Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (Moderate Party). Since fall 2024, Thelin has been tasked with evaluating existing regulations and developing possible approaches for a general ban.

However, his own conclusion is clear: he sees no need for a Swedish begging ban today.

– This is partly because the extent of begging looks different than it did ten years ago. With cash being used less frequently, it’s no longer profitable for vulnerable groups who often came to Sweden in organized forms, Thelin said at a press conference on Monday.

Thelin also points out that current legislation provides municipalities with sufficient tools. Several municipalities, including Vellinge, Staffanstorp, and Katrineholm in Sweden, have already implemented local bans on begging in certain areas under the Public Order Act. According to the investigator, this system works well.

Despite this, the investigation includes two concrete legislative proposals to criminalize begging – in line with the government’s directives.

Government’s view is divided

The main proposal in the investigation is to criminalize begging through an amendment to Chapter 16 of the Swedish Criminal Code. According to the proposal, those who beg for their own or their family’s subsistence could be fined. The law change is proposed to take effect on July 1, 2026.

As an alternative, it is proposed to introduce a new provision in the Public Order Act instead. The difference between the two solutions is that the Criminal Code regulates what is legally defined as public space, while the Public Order Act applies to public places.

– The directives were so clever that they say regardless of what I think about introducing a begging ban or not, I should come up with a proposal in that direction.

The issue of a national begging ban has long been politically sensitive in Sweden. It has been a signature issue for the Sweden Democrats (SD) and was included as an election promise in the 2022 election. The Tidö Agreement, signed between SD and the government parties, stipulates that the issue should be investigated – but not that a ban should automatically be implemented.

The government parties are divided on the issue. The Moderate Party shares SD’s position and wants to see a national ban. However, the Christian Democrats are more hesitant, and the Liberal Party has clearly opposed criminalization.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/soaring-weapons-prices-risk-consuming-swedens-nato-buildup/

Sweden

Soaring weapons prices risk consuming Sweden’s NATO buildup

The new cold war

Published 30 June 2025
– By Editorial Staff
It remains unclear how much weapons and equipment Sweden's multi-billion investment in defense will actually cover in the end.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Sweden is building up its military like never before – but it’s far from certain that the investments will have the desired effect. Weapons manufacturers’ prices for arms and ammunition have soared, and a large part of the military build-up risks being consumed by increased costs.

– Then we won’t become more dangerous to the adversary, emphasizes Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Joint Operations at the Swedish Armed Forces.

According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the war in Ukraine has shown how quickly ammunition and weapon systems are consumed in modern conflicts, and Sweden’s own stockpiles are dimensioned for training and deterrence – not for prolonged combat.

– When it comes to ammunition, we may not have bought as much as we would need in actual combat. Instead, we’ve bought what we think we need for training and maintaining sufficient deterrence, Skoog Haslum tells TT news agency.

To meet the threat, stockpiles must be built up, and Swedish defense industry must be able to quickly scale up production if war breaks out.

Defense industry positive about closer collaboration

The development of new weapons is also accelerating. In Ukraine, for example, new weapon systems, such as marine drones, have been met with countermeasures within just four to six weeks. In Sweden, however, it can take years – sometimes decades – from order to delivery.

To shorten lead times, the Swedish Armed Forces wants to test unfinished products directly in exercises, in close collaboration with the defense industry.

– I believe we’ll become better as Armed Forces, but I also think the industry would develop faster, the Vice Admiral continues.

Defense industry representatives are positive, and Lena Gillström, CEO of Swedish defense company BAE Systems Bofors and chairperson of the Security and Defense Companies Association, sees great benefits in reducing the distance between users and developers.

– By maintaining close dialogue with those who use the systems, we can also see which problems need to be solved. I believe this will be crucial for achieving speed in the system, she says.

She is prepared to send company engineers to exercises to adjust gun turrets and artillery systems in the field – something that currently happens very rarely.

Swedish Parliament wants to borrow €27 billion

As more countries build up their military, the demand for both weapons and ammunition increases – and consequently, prices rise. Ewa Skoog Haslum sees a clear risk that the increased defense allocations won’t translate into actual combat power.

– Absolutely, it’s a risk, and then we won’t get more capability for the Armed Forces. Then we won’t become more dangerous to the adversary, instead we’ll have spent the money on more expensive items, she explains.

The defense budget for 2025 amounts to 143 billion SEK (€13 billion) – a ten percent increase compared to the previous year. This corresponds to 2.4 percent of GDP according to NATO’s calculation model. But to reach NATO’s new goals – 3.5 percent for military defense plus 1.5 percent for civil defense – an additional 70 billion SEK (€6.2 billion) per year is required.

The Swedish Parliament is prepared to borrow up to 300 billion SEK (€27 billion) to accelerate the military build-up and reach the goals by 2032. Of this amount, 50 billion SEK (€4.5 billion) is earmarked for civil defense.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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