SOCIETY / BUSINESS

Sweden: King Carl Gustaf joined by Crown Princess Victoria for discussions on war preparedness

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – King Carl Gustaf of Sweden has been joined by Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel at the annual Swedish Defence conference. The conference was this year digital due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the King kept up his tradition of his attendance on the conference. This years conference was also broadcasted live on Swedish TV on the channel SVT2.

At the opening of the national conference on January 11th 2021, the King gave with a live greeting to this year’s participants and audience. In his greeting, the King said: “I have had the opportunity to attend the conference for a number of years. I believe that this conference will be as good as ever. I look forward to it and wish you all the best of luck and prosperity.”

While the King was at his office at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel attended the conference from Haga castle. King Carl Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel will also attend the conference on January 12th.

The seminar is run by the organisation “People and Defence” and is regarded as Sweden’s most important forum for discussions on security politics, defence and Swedish war preparedness. It is not just military participating in the seminar. In addition, politicians, civil organisations, professional organisations, the Swedish business community and representatives of several youth organisations were present along with the King at the seminar.

King Carl XVI Gustaf has a special role in Swedish defence. As most monarchs worldwide, he is his nation’s top military commander. The King completed his military service in 1968 when he graduated as a naval officer in the Royal Swedish Navy. Afterwards, he took leadership courses and became a Lieutenant in the Svea bodyguards, Navy, Air Force and the Jemtland regiment. After the King ascended the throne when his grandfather died, he achieved the rank of Captain for both the Swedish fleet, army and air force through military education. He was automatically General and Admiral when he became King.

Photo by Kungl. Hovstaterna

Finland: 314,500 unemployed jobseekers in November

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — A total of 314,500 unemployed jobseekers were registered at Employment and Economic Development Offices at the end of November. This was 86,000 more than a year earlier. The number of unemployed jobseekers increased by 1,800 from the previous month. The number of unemployed jobseekers also includes those fully laid off. These figures are from the Employment Bulletin of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

At the end of November, the number of people laid off was 76,400 in the whole country, which was 55,700 more than at the same time the year before. The number of people fully laid off totalled 58,000, representing an increase of 43,400 from November the year before. The number of people fully laid off increased by 800 from October.

The number of long-term unemployed — that is those who had been unemployed without interruption for at least a year — amounted to 85,300, up 24,200 on the previous year. The number of unemployed jobseekers aged over 50 was 115,900, representing an increase of 28,000 on the year before.

The number of unemployed jobseekers aged under 25 was 36,000, representing an increase of 9,400 from November last year. Among unemployed young people, the period of unemployment ended within three months on average in 64.1% of cases between January and November, which is 4.1 percentage points less than the year before.

Decrease in new vacancies
The number of new vacancies reported to Employment and Economic Development Offices during November totalled 49,400, or 7,200 fewer than in November the previous year. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies at Employment and Economic Development Offices in November amounted to 91,400, showing a decrease of 19,500 from last year.

At the end of November, the number of persons covered by services included in the activation rate amounted to 120,200, down 5,000 on the previous year. These services include pay subsidies, labour market training, work trials and self-motivated studies.

Statistics Finland: Unemployment rate 6.9%
According to the Labour Force Survey issued by Statistics Finland, in November the number of people in employment was 4,000 less than on the previous year. The employment rate was 71.8%, which was 0.1 percentage points higher than in November the year before. According to the Survey, the unemployment total was 187,000, which is 27,000 more than a year ago. The unemployment rate was 6.9%, or 0.9 percentage points higher than the previous year.

Key differences between Employment Service Statistics and the Labour Force SurveyThis information is based on the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment’s Employment Service Statistics and the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland. The Employment Service Statistics of the Ministry are compiled on the basis of the information in the Employment and Economic Development Offices’ customer register, while the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland is based on sampling.

In the Ministry’s Employment Service Statistics, people that are not in an employment relationship or employed in business are listed as unemployed. Persons fully laid-off but not full-time students are also categorised as unemployed in the Employment Service Statistics. The Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland has a stricter definition for being unemployed: a person is unemployed if he or she has actively sought employment during the preceding four weeks and is available for work over the coming two weeks. The figures of the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland are internationally comparable and thus they are the official Finnish unemployment statistics.

Further information on the differences in the statistics http://www.stat.fi/til/tyti/tyti_2016-08-23_men_001_en.html

Featured image: Pexels

Finland: Common principles for event industry to organising events during COVID-19

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — A working group appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture has drawn up principles for the safe organisation of events even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The principles are geared towards the future, a situation in which the development of the epidemic in Finland has slowed down so that events can be organised again. By committing to the principles, the event organisers can indicate that they are adhering not only to official regulations and recommendations but also to specific measures drawn up by the sector in cooperation with the authorities to ensure the safety of participants. It also allows them to use the Responsible Event logo in their communications.

The principles drawn up by a working group appointed by the Minister of Science and Culture Annika Saarikko are based on self-initiative. The aim of the principles is to support event organisers in the planning and delivery of events during the COVID-19 pandemic. In its work, the working group has drawn on the background work carried out by Tapahtumateollisuus ry and the good practices applied in the events organised in 2020, which have now been put together in the form of principles for responsible events.

– Although the COVID-19 situation is now worrying, the working group has its eye on the future. Events are not put together overnight, but require long preparation. I would like to thank the event industry for their cooperation manifested in the working group’s work. The aim is that, as the development of the epidemic slows down, people will be prepared to attend events carrying the responsible event logo, says Minister of Science and Culture Annika Saarikko.

The working group proposes a “Responsible Event” logo for the event industry. With the logo, event organisers indicate that they follow the existing official guidelines and implement them in practice. With the use of the logo, event organisers have the responsibility to explain how they follow the authorities’ guidelines and the newly issued principles. The principles set out, for example, guidelines for safe distances and requirements for the use of masks and the drafting of a written safety plan. In accordance with the proposal for a Communicable Diseases Act, the principles are adaptable to the baseline, acceleration phase and the community transmission phase of the epidemic.

– The working group managed to set up common principles quickly and we hope the industry will put them into practice as widely as possible. The “Responsible Event” logo enables us to strengthen the trust of both the general public and the authorities in safe events. This will strengthen the operating conditions of the event industry as soon as the development of the epidemic allows the organisation of public events, says Maria Sahlstedt, Director of Tapahtumateollisuus ry.

The working group will continue its work in January. The aim is to create an exit plan in collaboration between the event industry and authorities to be implemented as the pandemic starts to slow down.

The principles were drawn up by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Church Council, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, the National Police Board, the performing arts, Finland Festivals ry, Helsinki Football Club, Kulta ry, the Finnish Olympic Committee, Tapahtumateollisuus ry, Warner Music Live and the Finnish Broadcasting Company (events, live and sports).

Follow the working group’s work at the Gateway to Information on Government Project. The Gateway provides access to the principles drawn up by the working group (For the present, in Finnish only).


Featured image: Pexels
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Sweden: The King and Queen and The Crown Princess Couple are given an update about the USA

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – On Tuesday 6 October, The King, The Queen, The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel held a digital audience with Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter, Sweden’s envoy in Washington DC, USA.

Before the forthcoming presidential and congressional elections on 3 November, Sweden’s Ambassador to Washington DC gave the Royal Family a report on the country’s domestic political situation.

Ambassador Olofsdotter also provided information about bilateral relations between Sweden and the USA.

Featured image: The King and Queen during the video meeting with Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter. (Victor Ericsson/The Royal Court of Sweden)
Source: kungahuset.se

Sweden: Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria attend digital Global Child Forum meeting

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Three children die every minute as a result of avoidable environmental degradation, a sobering fact shared by Crown Princess Victoria during the third instalment of the Global Child Forum’s Action Lab series on Tuesday.

The virtual meeting, also attended by Queen Silvia, focused on the environment and the devastating impact it can have on children’s health and future wellbeing.

“Around the world, children’s rights are suffering a severe setback due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Crown Princess Victoria said in an introductory video for the event.

“At the same time, we are in a state of environmental emergency that is threatening children’s prospects for a healthy and prosperous future. Rising sea levels. Severe weather events. Drought, forest fires and flooding. Widespread pollution of air, water and soil. Exposure to toxic substances. Loss of biodiversity. All of these things put children at risk – for birth defects, failing health and child mortality. For conflict, poverty and child labour.”

In addition to the more than 1.7 million children under the age of five who die every year because of environmental degradation, Crown Princess Victoria pointed out how “millions more suffer consequences of climate change such as disease, disability, and other forms of harm.”

David Boyd, the current UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, also spoke during the Action Lab. Crown Princess Victoria shared how, “in 2018, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment recommended that businesses conduct environmental and human rights impact assessments, viewed through a children’s rights lens.”

Because of this, climate change was identified as “a global concern disproportionately affecting children, echoing a UN Human Rights Council resolution that recognized children as among the most vulnerable to climate change.”

The Global Child Forum was created by the Swedish Royal Family in 2009 and brings together leaders in business, government, academia, and civil society from around the world to bring change surrounding children’s rights. The Forum especially focuses on the power of businesses to advance children’s rights and the best practices they can carry out to make changes for children in their communities.

Featured image: Victor Ericsson/Kungl. Hovstaterna

Denmark: Crown Prince Frederik takes part in digital business promotion to the Netherlands

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Crown Prince Frederik participated in a digital promotion of business relations between Denmark and the Netherlands after a physical visit to the country was postponed due to COVID-19.

The business promotion has been structured around “Partnering for a Green Transition” and marks the first time a Danish royal visit has been conducted digitally. On Monday, Crown Prince Frederik gave an opening speech at the Industriens Hus in Copenhagen with Danish government ministers and business leaders also participating in events.

Frederik’s speech was streamed for both Danish and Dutch delegates, and he began his speech by noting that 2020 marks the 500th anniversary of Dutch farmers who arrived in Copenhagen. He said that the two countries’ partnership has continued since then and that, “Trade between our countries is increasing and the potential for investments and collaboration between businesses is even greater.

“At the same time, challenges arise from the climate crisis. Never have partnerships and co-creation between friends been more important.

“Present today are Danish and Dutch companies and associations who are world-leading when it comes to green solutions and energy transition. Together they represent the highly specialized expertise we need to create more sustainable societies.”

The digital promotion included three online roundtable discussions, according to the Royal House, to discuss “the business community’s solutions for green conversion of the energy sector.” Other discussion points included “Danish solutions within district heating, energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

Crown Prince Frederik spoke of the Danish Royal Family’s friendship with the Dutch Royal Family, saying that even in 2015, when King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima paid a state visit to Denmark, “sustainable energy was also top of the agenda, underlining, that this is a subject that preoccupies both our nations.”

The Royal House announced earlier this summer that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary would lead a business delegation to the Netherlands this week; however, it was later postponed due to the pandemic, though digital events would still take place in the interim.

Featured image: Crown Prince Frederik (Mogens Engelund – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Norway: Crown Prince Haakon and Queen Sonja hold lunch for Norway’s Health Authorities

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Crown Prince Regent Haakon, together with his mother Queen Sonja, have received leaders of the Norwegian health authorities at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The royals invited them to lunch on October 29th 2020 to thank them for their ongoing work during the pandemic. For infection control reasons, there was a distance of two meters between everyone present at the lunch and food and drink was set up in advance and there was no serving during the meal.

Nine people attended the event. Currently in Norway, advise is to invite only five people into your home but the Royal Palace is also regarded as a workplace and the large rooms and the high ceilings provide good opportunities for a safe distance from infection. The Norwegian health authorities were represented by Minister of Health Bent Høie, Director of Health Bjørn Guldvog, Director of Public Health Camilla Stoltenberg, Global Health Ambassador John-Arne Røttingen and Ministerial Councillor Bjørn-Inge Larsen.

The Crown Prince Regent brought with him a greeting from His Majesty the King. He then thanked the health authorities and the entire Norwegian health service for the enormous work that has been done since the pandemic hit Norway earlier this year.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said: “No one knew for sure how Covid-19 would hit us. You made decisive choices in a time of doubt. The dilemmas have kept on coming, but together you still found solutions, on behalf of us all.”

Crown Prince Haakon went on to talk about what the pandemic has taken from us, following restrictions on personal freedom, a rise in unemployment and the loss of many who have passed away. The Crown Prince continued: “It could still have gone much worse, as we now know. There is a lot that is still uncertain. Nevertheless, we know some things are important, and we have learned that from you: keep one meter distance to all. Wash your hands. Be at home if we have symptoms.”

Minister of Health Bent Høie thanked the Crown Prince for the lunch. The minister said in his speech: “We do not know where the next outbreak will come, we just know that it will come. Therefore, the whole country must limit the number of people we are now with. And if we limit the number of people we are with, we limit the spread of infection and make infection detection easier”.

Featrud image: Crown Prince Haakon (Jørgen Gomnæs / The Royal Court)

Sweden: Queen Silvia’s Brother, Walther Sommerlath, has died

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Queen Silvia of Sweden has announced that her brother, Walther Sommerlath, has passed away. He was 86 years old and died on October 23rd 2020 at Karolinska Hospital in Huddinge after a period of illness. He was born Walther Ludwig Sommerlath in 1934 in Brazil.

The following statement was published by Her Majesty the Queen on October 29th 2020: “I and my family feel great sorrow and loss for my brother Walther”. Furthermore, the royal court emphasizes that with regard to Walther Sommerlath’s family, the Royal family ask the media to respect, and understand, that this is a private family matter.

Towards the end of his life, Walter and his wife moved to Sweden to be close to Queen Silvia and the rest of the royal family. Queen Silvia and her brother Walther had close contact throughout their lives and were very good friends. Walter and his wife otherwise lived in Italy, but earlier this year they moved into Drotningholm Castle, where the King and Queen of Sweden live permanently. Walter and his wife lived in a separate house attached to the castle. This was the same house where Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel lived when they were newlyweds.

The Swedish royal court is reluctant to provide any further information as they describe this as a private matter within the family. The Royal Court nevertheless states that the Queen’s brother had been ill for a long time before he died.

The Queen’s brother was always present during major family events in the Swedish royal family. He also had a good relationship with the Swedish king, his brother-in-law and the rest of the royal family. He was a well-liked person. Walter’s son, Patrick Sommerlath, the Queen’s nephew, also lives permanently in Sweden and is a close friend of the royals. Walther Sommerlath also has a daughter, Sophie, who lives in California.

Queen Silvia was the youngest of the family’s siblings, and the only girl. Her other brothers are Ralph de Toledo Sommerlath and Jörg, who died of cancer in February 2006 after a long illness. He was 64 years old.

Featured image: Queen Silvia of Sweden  (Frankie Fouganthin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wiki Commons)

Sweden: Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia visit their duchy of Värmland to see how the county has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia visited their dukedom of Värmland on Wednesday to see how the county has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple posted about their visit on their personal Instagram account, writing, “What a day we had in Värmland today!”

They continued, “Everyone we visited has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another. And it’s not over yet; now we have to power up to counteract further spread and the consequences we see at all levels.”

The royal couple’s visit began with a meeting with healthcare professionals to hear how the pandemic has affected healthcare in the county. Carl Philip and Sofia heard from Tanja Ekegren, the County Administrative Board’s Chief of Staff, and Dr Ingemar Hallén, an infection control doctor with Region Värmland, about how their work has shifted in light of the pandemic and steps the medical community has taken to combat the coronavirus.

Carl Philip and Sofia then traveled to Central Hospital in Karlstad to see how the staff there has modified and prepared themselves to treat patients.

The couple shared on their Instagram account, “IVA Nurse Mia touched on her strong stories about how to never cease to constantly stop and show humanity towards all patients – even when it has been at its hardest.”

Next, the royal couple visited the Vikenkyrkan, where the parenting group ‘Outstanding Single’ meets. The couple described this single parenting group as one “where mothers and their children find community and support” and that “in times of isolation was also strong and uplifting.”

The Prince and Princess then visited Karlstad Innovation Park to meet with young entrepreneurs who have created a digital platform, Zimify, to curb loneliness in students. The couple also met with representatives from Ineq Solutions, who have created Buhobox, a “digital tool that will promote preventive work with student health in schools,” according to the Royal House.

The royal couple then travelled to the municipality of Sunne, with the first stop for lunch at Västra Ämtervik, where they dined at Kulinarika, a restaurant and vineyard. They heard how the pandemic has affected the company and food production and met with other representatives from the municipality.

The couple’s final stop was in Berättarladan, where they met with representatives from the Västanå Theatre. They learned how the pandemic has affected the arts community and were treated to a performance of ‘O, children of late times.’ They praised the Theatre as one with a “unique environment, creations and incredible performance.”

The Swedish Royal Family has made a plan to visit all of Sweden’s counties to see how citizens are dealing with the pandemic. Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia will next visit Dalarna – where Sofia grew up – on 19 November.

Featured image: Anna Lena Ahlstrom/Kungahuset.se

Sweden: Princess Estelle joins her grandfather King Carl XVI Gustaf and mother, Crown Princess Victoria to open new Slussbron

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – On Sunday, Princess Estelle joined her grandfather, King Carl XVI Gustaf and mother, Crown Princess Victoria, at the inauguration of the new Slussbron in Stockholm. The new bridge connects the areas of Stadsholmen and Södermalm in the capital.

The Slussbron is part of a larger redevelopment project in the city. The bridge itself is the largest single component in the traffic area. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2025.

The King gave a speech before cutting the ribbon to officially open the bridge. His Majesty said: “The new bridge is an important milestone, in the Slussen project and in Stockholm’s history. And when it now opens to traffic, it links not only north and south but also today’s and tomorrow’s Stockholm.”

He has followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather in opening a new bridge in the area as King Gustaf V opened the Klöverblads bridge in October 1935. Gustaf V was accompanied by his son, Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf (Carl Gustaf’s grandfather) and Prince Gustaf Adolf (Carl Gustaf’s father) on that day, and the King pointed to the similarities with that day and Sunday.

He said: “Ladies and gentlemen: In October 1935, the so-called Klöverblads bridge was inaugurated by my great-grandfather, King Gustaf V. Also present at that time was my grandfather Gustaf Adolf, who was then Crown Prince, as well as my father, Prince Gustaf Adolf.

“And today, 85 years and ten days later, I stand here in the company of my daughter, the Crown Princess and little Princess Estelle, ready to inaugurate the new Slussbron – or Guldbron as it has come to be called.”

“We are very happy to be able to participate in this solemn occasion. And very soon, when the ribbon is cut, we will be able to cross the bridge in the company of representatives of the next generation of Stockholmers,” the King added.

Carl Gustaf concluded his remarks saying about the bridge, “May it be of benefit and joy to many generations of residents of the capital and visitors.”

Later, the King got some help from eight-year-old Estelle and Crown Princess Victoria when he cut the ribbon on the bridge. The young royal helped hold the ribbon as her grandfather officially cut the ribbon and declared the bridge open. The King, Crown Princess and Princess Estelle then crossed the new bridge alongside students from Hammarby IF and Bollstanäs SK.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, attendance at the event was limited; there was a live stream online so those at home could follow along. The full ceremony can be viewed here: https://guldfestslussen.se/

Featured image: The Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Estelle look on as the King gives his speech. Photo: Screenshot/Fair Use

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