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Sunday, July 6, 2025

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https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/swedish-mother-wanted-radiation-free-meters-vattenfall-responded-with-forced-installation/

Sweden

Swedish mother wanted radiation-free meters – Vattenfall responded with forced installation

  • Single mother Cilla and her son moved to the countryside in Dalarna to reduce exposure to radiation that makes them both very ill.
  • For the same reason, she has been in contact with Vattenfall over the summer to inform the company and try to keep her old electricity meter, or a new one that is not wireless.
  • Disturbing images show how the energy giant responds by hiring an eight-person team, including security guards and a locksmith, to forcibly install the wireless smart meter in the family's home.
Published 20 December 2024
– By Editorial Staff
Vattenfall sent out a team of eight people to force the “smart meter” on Cilla's home.
4 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Single mother Cilla and her son have moved to the countryside due to health issues caused by exposure to certain types of radiation. Despite her informing Vattenfall, a state-owned Swedish energy company, of this, the company decided, against her explicit wishes, to forcibly install a new wireless electricity meter on her property.

Disturbing footage shows the electricity company setting out with a team of eight people, including a locksmith, two security guards and the support of the Swedish Enforcement Authority, to force their way into Cilla’s home.

Cilla says that people are particularly sensitive to radiation from wireless technology and react with severe symptoms at levels that most people do not even notice. The symptoms she can suffer from exposure to such radiation emitted by cell towers, mobile phones, wireless networks and so-called smart meters include headaches, nosebleeds, rashes, eczema, heart arrhythmias, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, tinnitus and blood in the urine at higher levels. This is why Cilla chose to move from Stockholm to the countryside to Garpenberg in Dalarna, where she and her son have now lived for several years.

During the summer, she was informed by her electricity company, Vattenfall, that they wanted to replace the previous electricity meter with a new so-called “smart electricity meter”, which will transmit data on, among other things, electricity consumption using wireless communication via the 4G network. In conversations and letters to Vattenfall, Cilla has informed the company that she is not opposed to the replacement of the electricity meter, but she is opposed to the installation of a microwave transmitter because she and her son cannot tolerate this radiation. She has also clearly emphasized to Vattenfall that there are other technical solutions, such as transmitting information via the electricity grid or via fiber.

Vattenfall responded by sending security guards

Even in spite of the provisions of the Environmental Code, which states that the best possible technology should be used if there is reason to believe that there is a risk to human health, Vattenfall chose to force its way into Cilla’s home to install the wireless transmitter, along with a new electricity meter, one day in mid-August. To gain access to the family’s property, Vattenfall hired three people from the Swedish Enforcement Authority, a locksmith and two security guards to forcibly install the wireless transmitter. Two fitters from Vattenfall without name tags also showed up. In total, eight people entered Cilla’s property against her will.

She describes it as a shocking experience.

– I couldn’t even imagine in my wildest dreams that we wouldn’t be heard and put a stop to the madness, Cilla told The Nordic Times.

Can no longer live in the house

After the installation of the microwave transmitter, Cilla and her son have suffered from the very symptoms they were worried about: headaches, nosebleeds, difficulty sleeping, swallowing food and other acute symptoms. The family cannot now live in the house or be out in the yard without getting sick and she expresses great despair at what the electricity company, with the support of the authorities, has forced on them.

– To be subjected to this legal abuse that violates several laws including human rights, the land code, property law, the environmental code and face this cold-blooded ignorance, despite the threat to our lives, feels like something out of a horror movie and not out of our seemingly safe life in Sweden. The right to decide over our lives and avoid being forcibly irradiated applies, regardless of what a company like Vattenfall has on its agenda, says Cilla about the incident.

Vattenfall refers to the fact that it is “forced” to change its electricity meters due to the new regulation on functional requirements for electricity meters adopted by the government in 2018. However, there is no requirement in the regulation that electricity meters must transmit information using wireless technology.

Vattenfall: “Complies with EU health and safety requirements”

Vattenfall’s press service states to TNT that they do not want to comment on individual cases, but confirms via email that further back in time, about 15-20 years ago, a dialog was conducted with the Swedish Association of Electricity Hypersensitive People, where they have since had agreements with some customers regarding manual meter reading. However, this will cease completely after the turn of the year to 2025. This refers to “laws and regulations” on the website of the Energy Markets Inspectorate (a government agency for which Ebba Busch (KD) is currently the responsible minister), an agency that in turn falls under the Ministry of Climate and Business.

“From 2025, all of Sweden’s electricity meters must meet new statutory functional requirements and the new regulations no longer support this type of customer agreement that handles manual meter reading”, writes Sofia Quant, Head of Stakeholder and Impact Communication at Vattenfall.

The Environmental Code stipulates that the best possible technology should be used, especially if “there are reasons to assume nuisance” to human health. Do you offer alternatives to eliminate potential health impacts of wireless technology from your electricity meters?

“Our electricity meter, like other electrical products, must meet certain requirements and we follow the laws and regulations in place regarding safety and health. The electricity meter is CE marked, which means that the manufacturer certifies that the products meet EU health and safety requirements. The electricity meter is also within the reference values from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority”, continues Sofia Quant, who adds that “no other assessments are made”.

“All electricity meters from Vattenfall Eldistribution are type-approved and properly installed to meet all regulatory requirements. We do not make any further assessments in our role as a power grid company. Customers can always contact us with questions related to meter replacements and their electrical installations”, says Quant.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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https://nordictimes.com/environment/the-forest-lives-when-trees-die/

Environment

The forest lives when trees die

Biodiversity

Published 4 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Leaving a variety of dead trees in forests is vital for many species' survival.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

When old trees die, life begins for many other species, according to a new dissertation. Numerous threatened species need dead wood to survive, along with a varied landscape.

Dead wood, meaning dead trees and branches in nature, is vital for about a quarter of Sweden’s beetle species. Many fungal species also depend on dead wood for survival.

Together with microorganisms and fungi, beetles contribute to the decomposition of tree remains, which provides nutrients to the soil and creates habitats for other insects that, in turn, become food for birds and other animals.

However, many of these fungal and beetle species are threatened today, partly because dead wood has become scarce – especially in managed forests. Paulina Bergmark from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has examined in her dissertation whether these species are better preserved in landscapes where nature conservation is combined with forestry, often called eco-parks. The state-owned Swedish forestry company Sveaskog established the first eco-parks about 20 years ago, with the aim of supporting species negatively affected by traditional forestry. Today, there are 37 such forests in total.

In five of these eco-parks, Bergmark studied beetle and fungal species living in high-cut stumps. She then compared the results with four areas in regular production forests.

More red-listed species

The eco-parks contained more diverse tree species and good access to dead wood. The production forests had many beetles, but not to the same extent as the eco-parks.

– Generally, we found both more species and a larger number of red-listed species in the eco-parks compared to the production forests, she says in a press release.

The dissertation also highlighted the importance of tree diversity in forests. Different types of dead trees benefit different species, according to Bergmark.

– In the eco-parks’ varied landscapes, there is a larger proportion of forest where both old and young trees contribute to the creation of new dead wood over time. Increasing variation with both deciduous and coniferous trees in different stages of decomposition can be an effective way to strengthen biodiversity in managed forests, she says.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/environment/moose-and-polecat-added-as-threatened-species-on-swedens-red-list/

Environment

Moose and polecat added as threatened species on Sweden’s red list

Biodiversity

Published 4 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
The moose population has increased significantly in northern Sweden - but across the country as a whole, there is a clear decline.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has published a new preliminary version of the red list, where the moose and European polecat are now proposed to be classified as threatened species. Meanwhile, the Eurasian otter is considered to have recovered sufficiently to be removed – after a long period of growth.

The red list is a compilation of species deemed to have such small or declining populations that they risk disappearing from the country in the long term. It is updated every five years, and this year’s preliminary version is open for review and reporting until September 15.

The red-listing of the moose may come as a surprise – especially in northern Sweden, where the population has increased in several areas. In several counties, hunting pressure has therefore been increased to reduce browsing damage. However, looking at the country as a whole, the moose population has decreased by almost a quarter over ten years.

– We are not influenced by any societal goals or the forestry industry’s desire to reduce the population, says Henrik Thurfjell, species group manager at SLU’s Species Information Centre, to Swedish news agency TT.

According to Thurfjell, hunting is the main cause of the decline – despite many hunting teams deliberately shooting fewer moose than their allocated quotas.

– While there are concerns about warmer climate and diseases, the main reason is hunting, he says.

Porpoise in danger, otter recovering

Another species causing concern is the Belt Sea harbor porpoise, which often gets caught in fishing nets as bycatch. Meanwhile, some species show clear recovery. The Eurasian otter has steadily increased for several years and is now being removed from the list, thanks in part to efforts to reduce environmental toxins and chemicals in Swedish water environments.

For a species to be reclassified as viable, the rate of decline must have been below 15 percent over three generations. However, even if this requirement is met, the species is kept on the list for an additional five years as a precautionary measure before potentially being completely removed.

The European polecat, now proposed for red-listing, is believed to be declining in numbers – partly due to competition from otters, which inhabit the same environments.

This year’s preliminary list includes more new additions than removals. In total, 210 species have been added, and 228 have received changed classifications compared to the previous list. Among the newly red-listed species are the elder-flowered orchid, sea trout, herring, and the ringed seal – a seal species native to the Baltic Sea.

Being red-listed doesn’t mean a species is immediately facing extinction. The criteria vary depending on the species. A population of under 20,000 individuals may be sufficient for red-listing – but in other cases, such as for the golden eagle, the number must fall below 2,000.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/fewer-shootings-in-sweden-but-bomb-attacks-have-doubled/

Sweden

Fewer shootings in Sweden — but bomb attacks have doubled

organized crime

Published 3 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
According to Swedish police, the purpose of the bomb attacks is often to extort, intimidate, or threaten the victims.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The number of shootings in Sweden has almost halved compared to last year – but at the same time, bombings have increased dramatically. According to new statistics from the Swedish Police Authority, over 100 bombing incidents have occurred so far this year, representing a doubling compared to the same period in 2024.

During the first six months of this year, police have recorded 84 shootings. This marks a significant decrease compared to the first half of 2022, when 205 shootings occurred, resulting in 34 deaths and 49 injuries. The number of people injured in shooting incidents has also gradually decreased since then. However, the 2025 statistics include the school attack in Örebro, central Sweden, where ten people lost their lives.

This development comes against the backdrop of Sweden’s long-standing struggles with organized crime, where violent gangs, often with immigrant backgrounds, have spread fear in both major cities and smaller towns. For several years, authorities have struggled to effectively address the escalating violence – but according to police, certain measures are now showing results.

– In both physical and digital environments, as well as in investigations, we are now faster and more efficient, which has enabled us to prevent impending crimes and increase the clearance rate of deadly gang-related violence from about 20-30 percent to about 60 percent in recent years. This partly explains why we’re seeing fewer shootings, says August Knutsson, operational coordinator at the Swedish Police’s National Operations Center.

More bombings during winter months

While shootings have decreased, another form of violence has increased significantly. So far this year, 104 explosions have occurred – double the number compared to the same period in 2024, when 52 bomb attacks were recorded.

– This is obviously serious, and we’ve noticed that criminal groups have shifted their methods and carried out more bombings during winter and spring. Often for extortion purposes, to intimidate or threaten. However, since the beginning of the year, when we saw a sharp increase in completed bombings, they have decreased. We’re arresting more perpetrators during the preparation stage than before, explains Knutsson.

He emphasizes that the situation is still considered very serious and that gang violence could soon escalate again:

– At the same time, the conflict level remains high, and we know from experience that the situation can change rapidly. We’re doing everything we can to keep violence levels down.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/floating-pentagon-makes-its-presence-known-in-stockholm/

Sweden

“Floating Pentagon” makes its presence known in Stockholm

Sweden-NATO-relationship

Published 3 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
The USS Mount Whitney has a crew of approximately 500 personnel and is normally based in Naples, Italy.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The US command ship USS Mount Whitney, often referred to as a “floating Pentagon” due to its advanced command systems, has docked at Frihamnen port in Stockholm, Sweden.

The visit marks the conclusion of a month-long mission in the Baltic Sea where the vessel played a leading role in the extensive NATO exercise Baltops, working alongside Swedish personnel among others.

The vessel serves as the flagship of the US Sixth Fleet and is designed to command complex and extensive military operations. At 200 meters in length, it is equipped with advanced communication and command systems that make it a hub for US naval operations.

– We usually call it a floating Pentagon because our main strength lies in communication and command systems, says Jonathan Desimone, Command Systems Officer aboard, to Swedish public broadcaster SVT.

During the recently concluded Baltops, an annual NATO-led exercise in the Baltic Sea, USS Mount Whitney played a key role. The Swedish Navy participated with a submarine, among other assets, and several Swedish liaison officers were aboard as part of the NATO staffing.

– We had several Swedish liaison officers aboard throughout the exercise as part of the NATO staffing, says Commander and Captain Colin Price.

– We are here to participate in Baltops 2025 and to demonstrate US presence. Our goal as a naval force is freedom of navigation and regional stability, he further states.

No plans to leave Europe

Price emphasizes the value of the exercise and multinational NATO cooperation – but critics suggest the ship’s visible presence in Stockholm could also be interpreted as a show of force directed at Russia, rather than a purely diplomatic visit.

Meanwhile, the Baltic Sea has been characterized by increased military activity, with both NATO and Russia conducting parallel exercises. During Baltops, Russian fighter aircraft were observed flying near USS Mount Whitney in international airspace.

– I wouldn’t call them incidents, but yes, we had interactions with aircraft flying near Mount Whitney, Price comments and explains:

– During Baltops, we’re in the middle of the Baltic Sea and it’s international airspace where aircraft can fly wherever they want.

During Donald Trump’s presidency, there have been reports and signals suggesting that the US plans to significantly reduce its military presence in Europe. However, according to the commander, there are no such plans for USS Mount Whitney.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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