Sweden has not lost all hope as far as its NATO membership is considered it aspires to be a part of North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the NATO by the time the block holds its Summit in Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius in July this is in line with statements coming from senior officials from Washington.

NATO FMs meet in Norway: Sweden's Turkey bid likely to dominate talks

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sounded positive but a bit still guarded about Sweden's bid to join the alliance. His latest statement came after US urged Turkey to clear way for Sweden. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fresh from an election victory.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was "within reach" for Sweden to join in time for the July 11-12 NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

"There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then," Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting to prepare for the summit.

Watch | US President Biden &amp; his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO

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Sweden and Finland changed their neutral stance last year after Russian invasion of Ukraine and applied to become members of NATO. However, the decision to induct a new member must be taken unanimously by existing members. Turkey allowed Finland to become NATO member in April but it is still blocking Sweden's bid.

Turkey has been raising the issue of Kurdish militants.

<h2>'Sweden is ready'</h2>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that that the Swedish government has already addressed Turkey's concerns.

"There is no reason for any further time. Sweden is ready now," Blinken told a news conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in the northern Swedish city of Lulea.

"We urge both Turkey and Hungary -- which also has not yet ratified -- to ratify the accession as quickly as possible," he said.

The State Department said that Blinken raised Sweden's case with Turkey in a telephone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The issue had also come up during phone conversation between US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Erdogan. Biden had called Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory.

Blinken said the United States wants the process to be "completed in the weeks ahead" but stopped short of saying if he was certain it would be finished by the summit.

<h2>Turkey's unhappiness</h2>

Erdogan has in past expressed his displeasure against Sweden's generous asylum policies and has accused the country of giving shelter to 'terrorists' from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK is outlawed in Turkey.

The topic came to the fore as late as Monday, when the pro-Kurdish Rojava Committee of Sweden posted an anti-Erdogan video on social media. The video showed a PKK flag being projected onto the Swedish parliament.

Stoltenberg said he was in "constant contact" with Turkish authorities to try to lift the final obstacles to Sweden's accession.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sounded positive but a bit still guarded about Sweden's bid to join the alliance. His latest statement came after US urged Turkey to clear way for Sweden.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sounded positive but a bit still guarded about Sweden's bid to join the alliance. His latest statement came after US urged Turkey to clear way for Sweden. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fresh from an election victory. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was "within reach" for Sweden to join in time for the July 11-12 NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. "There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then," Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting to prepare for the summit. Watch | US President Biden & his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO × Sweden and Finland changed their neutral stance last year after Russian invasion of Ukraine and applied to become members of NATO. However, the decision to induct a new member must be taken unanimously by existing members. Turkey allowed Finland to become NATO member in April but it is still blocking Sweden's bid. Turkey has been raising the issue of Kurdish militants. 'Sweden is ready' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that that the Swedish government has already addressed Turkey's concerns. "There is no reason for any further time. Sweden is ready now," Blinken told a news conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in the northern Swedish city of Lulea. "We urge both Turkey and Hungary -- which also has not yet ratified -- to ratify the accession as quickly as possible," he said. The State Department said that Blinken raised Sweden's case with Turkey in a telephone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The issue had also come up during phone conversation between US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Erdogan. Biden had called Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory. Blinken said the United States wants the process to be "completed in the weeks ahead" but stopped short of saying if he was certain it would be finished by the summit. Turkey's unhappiness Erdogan has in past expressed his displeasure against Sweden's generous asylum policies and has accused the country of giving shelter to 'terrorists' from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK is outlawed in Turkey. The topic came to the fore as late as Monday, when the pro-Kurdish Rojava Committee of Sweden posted an anti-Erdogan video on social media. The video showed a PKK flag being projected onto the Swedish parliament. Stoltenberg said he was in "constant contact" with Turkish authorities to try to lift the final obstacles to Sweden's accession. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NATO optimistic about Sweden membership bid after US appeals Turkey for nod

NATO chief gives hope to Sweden's accession

Will Turkey clear the path for Sweden

A Russian 'spy whale' has been spotted off Sweden's coast. What was it doing there? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Russian 'spy whale' spotted near Sweden

A two-day informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers is taking place in Oslo, Norway. The meeting will be chaired by NATO general secretary, Jens Stoltenberg. The informal meeting comes ahead of a NATO summit which is scheduled to be held in July in Lithuania. There are multiple issues that are likely to dominate these talks. Let's break that down for you.

NATO foreign minister meeting decoded | Here's what likely to dominate talks

A Swedish woman, paralysed after a bike accident, is facing a catch-22 situation and is stranded in a London hospital. Efforts to repatriate her to Sweden are reportedly stuck in 'red tape' in the bureaucracy of both England and Sweden.

The Guardian reported that Karin (name changed) had been living in the UK for the past 25 years. Last year, she fell off a bike, hitting her head on the pavement. Karin received brain injuries and is being rushed from one hospital to another for treatment.

Karin is reportedly in a high-dependency unit in London. Her husband Tom is trying to move her to Sweden but he is faced with a unique situation.

Because Karin lived outside Sweden for many years, her name had fallen off the country's population register. She thus, won't be able to receive healthcare in the Swedish system.

<h2>Catch-22</h2>

Her husband is ready to provide documents and carry out the process to enter Karin's name in the population register. But he reportedly has been told that Karin will have to be physically present during the process that'll see her name in the population register again.

Britain's National Health Service (NHS) cannot transfer her to a hospital in Sweden as it won't be able to provide healthcare to her.

Labour MP Helen Hayes has described the situation as shocking. Hayes has been supporting the family since January this year.

“Karin’s accident was a terrible tragedy which is devastating for Karin and her family. She is currently trapped between two wholly incompatible and inflexible systems," said Hayes, as quoted by The Guardian.

“This impasse is compounding the family’s suffering,” she added, saying that "basic compassion from all sides" was needed to find a solution to this situation.&nbsp;

MP Hayes has reportedly written to Europe affairs minister, Leo Docherty and has urged him to explore the possibility with UK and Swedish officials.

“As this is truly an exceptional case, this will require exceptional actions by both the UK government and the Swedish government, as well as by the NHS and Swedish health professionals,” she wrote.

Karin's husband sounded despondent

“I’ve been with Karin a long time and been to Sweden many times and I was under the impression that Sweden was a compassionate Western liberal democracy,” he said, as quoted by The Guardian.

“I am very down about this. I feel this is shameful. Karin is very Swedish and, in many ways, she really loves her country and loves to go back and spend summers there. We had been making plans to retire there in the next year or so and the fact that they’ve so severely let her down is quite awful,” he added.

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A Swedish woman, paralysed after a bike accident, is facing a catch-22 situation and is stranded in a London hospital. Efforts to repatriate her to Sweden are reportedly stuck in 'red tape' in the bureaucracy of both England and Sweden.

A Swedish woman, paralysed after a bike accident, is facing a catch-22 situation and is stranded in a London hospital. Efforts to repatriate her to Sweden are reportedly stuck in 'red tape' in the bureaucracy of both England and Sweden. The Guardian reported that Karin (name changed) had been living in the UK for the past 25 years. Last year, she fell off a bike, hitting her head on the pavement. Karin received brain injuries and is being rushed from one hospital to another for treatment. Karin is reportedly in a high-dependency unit in London. Her husband Tom is trying to move her to Sweden but he is faced with a unique situation. Because Karin lived outside Sweden for many years, her name had fallen off the country's population register. She thus, won't be able to receive healthcare in the Swedish system. Catch-22 Her husband is ready to provide documents and carry out the process to enter Karin's name in the population register. But he reportedly has been told that Karin will have to be physically present during the process that'll see her name in the population register again. Britain's National Health Service (NHS) cannot transfer her to a hospital in Sweden as it won't be able to provide healthcare to her. Labour MP Helen Hayes has described the situation as shocking. Hayes has been supporting the family since January this year. “Karin’s accident was a terrible tragedy which is devastating for Karin and her family. She is currently trapped between two wholly incompatible and inflexible systems," said Hayes, as quoted by The Guardian. “This impasse is compounding the family’s suffering,” she added, saying that "basic compassion from all sides" was needed to find a solution to this situation. MP Hayes has reportedly written to Europe affairs minister, Leo Docherty and has urged him to explore the possibility with UK and Swedish officials. “As this is truly an exceptional case, this will require exceptional actions by both the UK government and the Swedish government, as well as by the NHS and Swedish health professionals,” she wrote. Karin's husband sounded despondent “I’ve been with Karin a long time and been to Sweden many times and I was under the impression that Sweden was a compassionate Western liberal democracy,” he said, as quoted by The Guardian. “I am very down about this. I feel this is shameful. Karin is very Swedish and, in many ways, she really loves her country and loves to go back and spend summers there. We had been making plans to retire there in the next year or so and the fact that they’ve so severely let her down is quite awful,” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Paralysed Swedish woman can't return home because of red tape

Sweden's most recent paradigm-shifting Sweden is turning a key highway into a permanent charging station as innovation advances its electrified Road system. As the European Union sets a goal for all newly sold cars to have zero carbon dioxide emissions starting in 2035, Sweden is setting the pace in the fight to decarbonize the transportation industry.

Sweden pioneers e-roads for carbon-free transport

In today's fast-paced life, it is nice to slow down, and breathe, free of stress as the day passes by. Embracing the beauty that lies in 'slowing down,' in 2009, Norway introduced "slow TV" — by broadcasting about seven hours of footage of a snowy countryside, captured by a camera attached to a train.

This antidote to the stress of everyday life has in recent years gained widespread popularity in Sweden. Slow TV was launched in the Scandinavian country five years ago and since then the hours of footage, generally of nature, have proven to be a huge success, with viewers logging a combined 12 million hours in 2022, reports the Local.&nbsp;

<h2>What is 'Slow TV'?</h2>

In 'Slow TV', things are just left to happen at their own pace. Sweden's 'Den Stora Älgvandringen' or 'The great moose migration', which is aired for a few weeks each spring by public broadcaster SVT on TV and online, attracts a large community that watches and comments on the animals’ every move.

"It’s kind of relaxing and also fascinating,"&nbsp;Ingvar Persson, a regular viewer, told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/french-startup-will-take-to-take-people-to-space-in-a-balloon-heres-how-590070">French startup will take people to space in a balloon. Here's how</a>

The latest broadcasts started on April 23rd and as per the Local, 2023 looks to be a record year.

The show's producer Johan Erhag says that he had no idea "it would be this popular".&nbsp;

"On all the social media, everything is very stressed. There’s a lot of music in the programmes. There’s a lot of speaking. And this is the totally opposite way," he added.

<h2>How is Den Stora Älgvandringen recorded?</h2>

The feed is monitored from a control room lined with screens, with teams working shifts day and night to offer alternating viewpoints from 30 cameras. The region is a popular route for large mammals heading to new pastures in the spring.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/just-three-planets-down-from-earth-this-icy-alien-planets-moons-may-be-hiding-oceans-of-salty-water-589855">Just three planets down from Earth, this icy alien planet's moons may be hiding oceans of salty water</a>

<h2>Why is a TV show with 'nothing' happening so popular?</h2>

The footage is seen as a form of meditation, providing a sense of nature and a break from city life.&nbsp;

Talking to AFP, Anders Lindberg, a columnist for the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, said that he believes the concept of watching nothing happening for hours could be exported to other countries as a form of healthy entertainment.

"I think this could be exported to other countries also. The whole concept of sitting and watching nothing happening for hours and hours could be quite healthy for more people than us," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In today's fast-paced life, it is nice to slow down, and breathe, free of stress as the day passes by. Embracing the beauty that lies in 'slowing down,' in 2009, Norway introduced "slow TV" — by broadcasting about seven hours of footage of a snowy countryside, captured by a camera attached to a train.

In today's fast-paced life, it is nice to slow down, and breathe, free of stress as the day passes by. Embracing the beauty that lies in 'slowing down,' in 2009, Norway introduced "slow TV" — by broadcasting about seven hours of footage of a snowy countryside, captured by a camera attached to a train. This antidote to the stress of everyday life has in recent years gained widespread popularity in Sweden. Slow TV was launched in the Scandinavian country five years ago and since then the hours of footage, generally of nature, have proven to be a huge success, with viewers logging a combined 12 million hours in 2022, reports the Local. What is 'Slow TV'? In 'Slow TV', things are just left to happen at their own pace. Sweden's 'Den Stora Älgvandringen' or 'The great moose migration', which is aired for a few weeks each spring by public broadcaster SVT on TV and online, attracts a large community that watches and comments on the animals’ every move. "It’s kind of relaxing and also fascinating," Ingvar Persson, a regular viewer, told AFP. Also read | French startup will take people to space in a balloon. Here's how The latest broadcasts started on April 23rd and as per the Local, 2023 looks to be a record year. The show's producer Johan Erhag says that he had no idea "it would be this popular". "On all the social media, everything is very stressed. There’s a lot of music in the programmes. There’s a lot of speaking. And this is the totally opposite way," he added. How is Den Stora Älgvandringen recorded? The feed is monitored from a control room lined with screens, with teams working shifts day and night to offer alternating viewpoints from 30 cameras. The region is a popular route for large mammals heading to new pastures in the spring. Also read | Just three planets down from Earth, this icy alien planet's moons may be hiding oceans of salty water Why is a TV show with 'nothing' happening so popular? The footage is seen as a form of meditation, providing a sense of nature and a break from city life. Talking to AFP, Anders Lindberg, a columnist for the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, said that he believes the concept of watching nothing happening for hours could be exported to other countries as a form of healthy entertainment. "I think this could be exported to other countries also. The whole concept of sitting and watching nothing happening for hours and hours could be quite healthy for more people than us," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In 2022, Swedes spent 12 million hours watching 'nothing' on Slow TV. Here's why you should take inspiration

Sweden is on track to create history as it converts a highway into a first-of-its-kind permanently electrified road.&nbsp;Sweden's pioneering project is expected to pave the way for an additional 3,000 kilometres&nbsp;of electric roads in the country by 2035, as per Euro News.

The project's chosen highway, European route E20, connects logistic hubs between Hallsberg and Örebro, which are positioned in the heart of Sweden's three largest cities, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

The initiative aligns with the EU's momentous decision to mandate zero carbon emissions for all new cars sold by 2035, which has spurred European nations to establish the necessary infrastructure for emissions-free transportation.&nbsp;

The electrified road is expected to work through dynamic charging, allowing vehicles to recharge while driving. As stated by experts, this innovative technology enables vehicles to travel longer distances with smaller batteries and avoid waiting at charging stations.&nbsp;

Although the charging process for the E20 hasn't been finalized yet, there are three charging options: catenary, conductive, and inductive.&nbsp;

The catenary system requires overhead wires that provide electricity to specific types of buses or trams. The conductive charging method is suitable for private cars and heavy-duty vehicles if a conductive system like a rail transfers the electricity. On the other hand, the inductive charging option uses unique equipment buried underneath the road that sends electricity to a coil in the electric vehicle, which then stores it in the battery.

Although the Electric Road System (ERS) primarily targets trucks, a new study indicates that private cars could also reap its advantages. The study showed that integrating home charging with dynamic charging could decrease the battery size of electric cars by as much as 70 percent. The researchers also highlighted that only a quarter of Sweden's roads need to be electrified to make the ERS feasible, and it is not necessary to electrify all roads.

Sweden has partnered with France and Germany to collaborate on authority and research partnerships regarding electric roads. As other countries like India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States increase their efforts in building ERS systems, Germany and Sweden are already conducting trial facilities on public roads.

Sweden is on track to create history as it converts a highway into a first-of-its-kind permanently electrified road. Sweden's pioneering project is expected to pave the way for an additional 3,000 kilometres of electric roads in the country by 2035, as per Euro News.

Sweden is on track to create history as it converts a highway into a first-of-its-kind permanently electrified road. Sweden's pioneering project is expected to pave the way for an additional 3,000 kilometres of electric roads in the country by 2035, as per Euro News. The project's chosen highway, European route E20, connects logistic hubs between Hallsberg and Örebro, which are positioned in the heart of Sweden's three largest cities, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. The initiative aligns with the EU's momentous decision to mandate zero carbon emissions for all new cars sold by 2035, which has spurred European nations to establish the necessary infrastructure for emissions-free transportation. The electrified road is expected to work through dynamic charging, allowing vehicles to recharge while driving. As stated by experts, this innovative technology enables vehicles to travel longer distances with smaller batteries and avoid waiting at charging stations. Although the charging process for the E20 hasn't been finalized yet, there are three charging options: catenary, conductive, and inductive. The catenary system requires overhead wires that provide electricity to specific types of buses or trams. The conductive charging method is suitable for private cars and heavy-duty vehicles if a conductive system like a rail transfers the electricity. On the other hand, the inductive charging option uses unique equipment buried underneath the road that sends electricity to a coil in the electric vehicle, which then stores it in the battery. Although the Electric Road System (ERS) primarily targets trucks, a new study indicates that private cars could also reap its advantages. The study showed that integrating home charging with dynamic charging could decrease the battery size of electric cars by as much as 70 percent. The researchers also highlighted that only a quarter of Sweden's roads need to be electrified to make the ERS feasible, and it is not necessary to electrify all roads. Sweden has partnered with France and Germany to collaborate on authority and research partnerships regarding electric roads. As other countries like India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States increase their efforts in building ERS systems, Germany and Sweden are already conducting trial facilities on public roads.

E-highways: Sweden leads the way in sustainable transportation

A wheelchair user went through extreme "humiliation" after he was made to crawl down a Ryanair flight because of an “unacceptable” delay in assistance.

The 37-year-old victim, Adrian Keogh, said that he wants the airlines and airports to make more arrangements for people with disabilities after he went through the embarrassing ordeal at Landvetter Airport in Sweden on Saturday.

Keogh, who is from Wicklow in Ireland, said that he had done the booking beforehand to ensure he received the kind of support he needed during flying.&nbsp;

However, when the flight landed, Keogh was told that the lift required to bring him down the flight in his wheelchair would take at least an hour to arrive. He stated that he decided to crawl off the plane because he was experiencing pain and was not willing to wait until midnight to leave.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/international-air-india-flight-returns-to-delhi-due-to-serious-unruly-passenger-on-board-580891">International Air India flight returns to Delhi due to 'serious unruly' passenger on board</a>

Speaking to The Independent, Keogh said, “It was very destroying, to be honest going through that because all anyone wants is to be treated equally. For someone to say you have to be an hour waiting on the plane for no fault of my own is totally ridiculous."&nbsp;

“A person in a wheelchair has different issues, I have spinal injuries personally myself, some people have other issues but with any disability, we just want to be treated equally," he added.&nbsp;

Keogh added that he began to “bum shuffle” down the steps.

“My brother wanted to lift me down but I decided not to because it’s too unsafe in case we fell. He was at the bottom of the steps making sure my wheelchair was ready," he said,&nbsp;

He further took to social media to share his harrowing experience.&nbsp;

In his Instagram post, Keogh shared images in which he was seen crawling down the metal stairs in a seated position.

The post read, “Please excuse the bad picture but this is a photo of myself having to crawl off a Ryanair flight which landed in Landvetter Airport tonight at 11 pm. I am as some may know a full-time wheelchair user and paid extra for special assistance to be lifted off the plane down to my wheelchair."

“It's unacceptable to expect me to crawl down the steep metal steps, but on arrival, I was informed that it would be at least one hour before they would have the lift available to help me off the plane so what option had I but to crawl off the plane," he added. &nbsp;

Commenting on Keogh's post, Landvetter Airport apologised for the delay in assisting and said that delay happened because of another medical emergency.

WATCH | Two Go First flight passengers left stranded at Surat airport after 5-hour flight delay

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The airport stated, “Dear Sir, we are sorry for your experience. Due to some delays last night, there were more planes landing around the same time as your flight. With several booked assistants requirements, including yours, and a medical emergency simultaneously, caused a pushed [sic] forward.”

In a statement to The Independent, the airport further stated, “We deeply regret Mr Keogh’s experience at Göteborg Landvetter Airport on Saturday.

“Due to several unforeseen events, the assistance service at the airport was affected by longer waiting times and not up to our usual standard of service, although airport procedures were followed. As a consequence, the assistance service was delayed however by no means ‘forgotten’," it added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Ryanair spokesperson said, “Special assistance at Landvetter Airport is managed by a third-party provider - not Ryanair. We regret that Landvetter Airport failed to provide Special Assistance to this passenger upon arrival at Landvetter on April 29 and we are working with Landvetter Airport to ensure this does not recur.”

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A wheelchair user went through extreme "humiliation" after he was made to crawl down a Ryanair flight because of an “unacceptable” delay in assistance. The 37-year-old victim, Adrian Keogh, said that he wants the airlines and airports to make more arrangements for people with disabilities after he went through the embarrassing ordeal at Landvetter Airport in Sweden on Saturday.

A wheelchair user went through extreme "humiliation" after he was made to crawl down a Ryanair flight because of an “unacceptable” delay in assistance. The 37-year-old victim, Adrian Keogh, said that he wants the airlines and airports to make more arrangements for people with disabilities after he went through the embarrassing ordeal at Landvetter Airport in Sweden on Saturday. Keogh, who is from Wicklow in Ireland, said that he had done the booking beforehand to ensure he received the kind of support he needed during flying. However, when the flight landed, Keogh was told that the lift required to bring him down the flight in his wheelchair would take at least an hour to arrive. He stated that he decided to crawl off the plane because he was experiencing pain and was not willing to wait until midnight to leave. ALSO READ | International Air India flight returns to Delhi due to 'serious unruly' passenger on board Speaking to The Independent, Keogh said, “It was very destroying, to be honest going through that because all anyone wants is to be treated equally. For someone to say you have to be an hour waiting on the plane for no fault of my own is totally ridiculous." “A person in a wheelchair has different issues, I have spinal injuries personally myself, some people have other issues but with any disability, we just want to be treated equally," he added. Keogh added that he began to “bum shuffle” down the steps. “My brother wanted to lift me down but I decided not to because it’s too unsafe in case we fell. He was at the bottom of the steps making sure my wheelchair was ready," he said, He further took to social media to share his harrowing experience. In his Instagram post, Keogh shared images in which he was seen crawling down the metal stairs in a seated position. The post read, “Please excuse the bad picture but this is a photo of myself having to crawl off a Ryanair flight which landed in Landvetter Airport tonight at 11 pm. I am as some may know a full-time wheelchair user and paid extra for special assistance to be lifted off the plane down to my wheelchair." “It's unacceptable to expect me to crawl down the steep metal steps, but on arrival, I was informed that it would be at least one hour before they would have the lift available to help me off the plane so what option had I but to crawl off the plane," he added. Commenting on Keogh's post, Landvetter Airport apologised for the delay in assisting and said that delay happened because of another medical emergency. WATCH | Two Go First flight passengers left stranded at Surat airport after 5-hour flight delay The airport stated, “Dear Sir, we are sorry for your experience. Due to some delays last night, there were more planes landing around the same time as your flight. With several booked assistants requirements, including yours, and a medical emergency simultaneously, caused a pushed [sic] forward.” In a statement to The Independent, the airport further stated, “We deeply regret Mr Keogh’s experience at Göteborg Landvetter Airport on Saturday. “Due to several unforeseen events, the assistance service at the airport was affected by longer waiting times and not up to our usual standard of service, although airport procedures were followed. As a consequence, the assistance service was delayed however by no means ‘forgotten’," it added. Meanwhile, a Ryanair spokesperson said, “Special assistance at Landvetter Airport is managed by a third-party provider - not Ryanair. We regret that Landvetter Airport failed to provide Special Assistance to this passenger upon arrival at Landvetter on April 29 and we are working with Landvetter Airport to ensure this does not recur.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wheelchair user crawls down a Ryanair flight in Sweden

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Norway criticised Sweden for not notifying the country before launching its research rockets after one of them malfunctioned and landed in the territory of its neighbouring country. &nbsp;

Sweden launched the rocket on Monday at 07:20 local time (05:20 GMT) from the Esrange Space Centre, before it fell into a Norwegian mountain range.&nbsp;

The centre's owner Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which has also been running it, issued an apology and said that it is investigating the case.&nbsp;

However, Sweden still faced criticism from Norway for not formally notifying the nation regarding the launch.&nbsp;

As per the SSC, the rocket initially touched an altitude of 250km (155 miles) and then fell into zero gravity, where experiments were being conducted by them.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-public-broadcaster-sveriges-radio-to-go-silent-on-twitter-583738">Sweden's public broadcaster Sveriges Radio to go silent on Twitter</a>

The rocket then made a landing 40km northwest of the landing site in Malselv municipality which is located in the north of Norway, around 10km from the closest inhabited area.&nbsp;

“It landed in the mountains at 1,000 metres altitude, and 10km from the closest settlement,” said Philip Ohlsson, head of communications at SSC.&nbsp;

"There are routines in place when things go wrong and we inform both Swedish and Norwegian governments, and other actors," he added.&nbsp;

No one suffered any injuries and no damage to material was reported.&nbsp;

The scientific instrument, &nbsp;known as the payload, was onboard the rocket and after its failed landing was recovered in "good condition" and was sent back to Esrange through a helicopter, as per the SSC.

"This is a deviation that we take seriously," stated Marko Kohberg from the Esrange Space Centre.

"It is still too early to speculate about the cause, and we await more information from the current investigation," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH | Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon?

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The SCC stated that, after the incident, they were shortly contacted by the Norwegian and Swedish authorities "according to routine".

However, the foreign ministry of Norway has stated that they were not properly informed about either the landing of the rocket or its payload's recovery and that any unauthorised activity which takes place within its borders is taken seriously by them.

“The crash of a rocket like this is a very serious incident that can cause serious damage,” the foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

"When such a border violation occurs, it is crucial that those responsible immediately inform the relevant Norwegian authorities through the proper channels," it stated.&nbsp;

The rocket, which is known as Texus-58, is part of the European programme which was commissioned by the European Space Agency.

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Norway criticised Sweden for not notifying the country before launching its research rockets after one of them malfunctioned and landed in the territory of its neighbouring country.

Norway criticised Sweden for not notifying the country before launching its research rockets after one of them malfunctioned and landed in the territory of its neighbouring country. Sweden launched the rocket on Monday at 07:20 local time (05:20 GMT) from the Esrange Space Centre, before it fell into a Norwegian mountain range. The centre's owner Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which has also been running it, issued an apology and said that it is investigating the case. However, Sweden still faced criticism from Norway for not formally notifying the nation regarding the launch. As per the SSC, the rocket initially touched an altitude of 250km (155 miles) and then fell into zero gravity, where experiments were being conducted by them. ALSO READ | Sweden's public broadcaster Sveriges Radio to go silent on Twitter The rocket then made a landing 40km northwest of the landing site in Malselv municipality which is located in the north of Norway, around 10km from the closest inhabited area. “It landed in the mountains at 1,000 metres altitude, and 10km from the closest settlement,” said Philip Ohlsson, head of communications at SSC. "There are routines in place when things go wrong and we inform both Swedish and Norwegian governments, and other actors," he added. No one suffered any injuries and no damage to material was reported. The scientific instrument, known as the payload, was onboard the rocket and after its failed landing was recovered in "good condition" and was sent back to Esrange through a helicopter, as per the SSC. "This is a deviation that we take seriously," stated Marko Kohberg from the Esrange Space Centre. "It is still too early to speculate about the cause, and we await more information from the current investigation," he added. WATCH | Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon? The SCC stated that, after the incident, they were shortly contacted by the Norwegian and Swedish authorities "according to routine". However, the foreign ministry of Norway has stated that they were not properly informed about either the landing of the rocket or its payload's recovery and that any unauthorised activity which takes place within its borders is taken seriously by them. “The crash of a rocket like this is a very serious incident that can cause serious damage,” the foreign ministry said. "When such a border violation occurs, it is crucial that those responsible immediately inform the relevant Norwegian authorities through the proper channels," it stated. The rocket, which is known as Texus-58, is part of the European programme which was commissioned by the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Norway slams Sweden for accidently dropping its research rocket

A malfunction caused Sweden's research rockets to crash land in Norwegian territory. On Monday at 7:20 a.m. local time, the rocket was launched from the Esrange Space Centre before crashing into a Norwegian mountain range. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) expressed regret for the mishap and started an investigation. Esrange Space Centre is managed by the SSC.

Sweden's research rocket accidentally crashes in Norway

The United States on Wednesday called upon Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's membership to the NATO alliance. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was&nbsp;on a visit to Sweden, hoped that the Russian maritime neighbour will become a NATO member before July 2023.&nbsp;

"We look forward to soon welcoming Sweden as the 32nd (member of NATO). To be clear, we look forward to that to happen before the summit in July," Austin told a news conference.

"We encourage our allies, Turkey and Hungary, to ratify Sweden's accession as soon as possible."

The US&nbsp;defence secretary's Sweden visit coincides with the Scandinavian nation's biggest military exercise for more than a quarter of a century, Aurora 23.

Around 700 US marines will take part in the exercise along with troops from Britain, Finland, Poland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Denmark, Austria, Germany and France.

In total, around 26,000 military personnel will take part in exercises around Sweden on land, at sea and in the air.

Along with Finland, Sweden applied to join NATO in May last year. Finland's application was processed in record time and it became the 31st member of the alliance earlier this month.

Sweden's accession has been held up by Turkey and Hungary, who have not&nbsp;yet ratified Sweden as a NATO member.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO

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Austin was in Sweden to hold talks with Defence Minister Pal Jonson about the war in Ukraine and Sweden's NATO application.

Sweden's defence minister said Austin's visit, which included a tour of the underground naval base at Musko, was a signal of the United States' commitment to Sweden's security "on a bilateral basis" and was an opportunity for Sweden to showcase its military capabilities.

The Musko base contains a naval dockyard, workshops, offices, warehouses and a hospital, all excavated deep beneath the rocks of Musko island during the 1950s and 60s.

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The United States on Wednesday called upon Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's membership to the NATO alliance. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was on a visit to Sweden, hoped that the Russian maritime neighbour will become a NATO member before July 2023.

The United States on Wednesday called upon Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's membership to the NATO alliance. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was on a visit to Sweden, hoped that the Russian maritime neighbour will become a NATO member before July 2023. "We look forward to soon welcoming Sweden as the 32nd (member of NATO). To be clear, we look forward to that to happen before the summit in July," Austin told a news conference. "We encourage our allies, Turkey and Hungary, to ratify Sweden's accession as soon as possible." The US defence secretary's Sweden visit coincides with the Scandinavian nation's biggest military exercise for more than a quarter of a century, Aurora 23. Around 700 US marines will take part in the exercise along with troops from Britain, Finland, Poland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Denmark, Austria, Germany and France. In total, around 26,000 military personnel will take part in exercises around Sweden on land, at sea and in the air. Along with Finland, Sweden applied to join NATO in May last year. Finland's application was processed in record time and it became the 31st member of the alliance earlier this month. Sweden's accession has been held up by Turkey and Hungary, who have not yet ratified Sweden as a NATO member. ALSO WATCH | Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO × Austin was in Sweden to hold talks with Defence Minister Pal Jonson about the war in Ukraine and Sweden's NATO application. Sweden's defence minister said Austin's visit, which included a tour of the underground naval base at Musko, was a signal of the United States' commitment to Sweden's security "on a bilateral basis" and was an opportunity for Sweden to showcase its military capabilities. The Musko base contains a naval dockyard, workshops, offices, warehouses and a hospital, all excavated deep beneath the rocks of Musko island during the 1950s and 60s. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US steps up Russia's NATO encirclement process with wargame over Sweden

Finland has become the 31st member of the Nato security alliance, and its flag will soon be raised at the alliance's headquarters. The Finnish foreign minister handed the accession document to the US secretary of state who declared Finland a member.

Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon?

The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out.&nbsp;Finland can now formally join NATO in a couple of days.

“All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland’s membership,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö&nbsp;tweeted. “I want to thank every one of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable Ally, committed to the security of the Alliance,” he said.

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<a href="https://t.co/bK15QpZKGX">pic.twitter.com/bK15QpZKGX</a>
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The role of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is prominent as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Experts have claimed that Ukraine's persistence on wanting to join the military alliance was the cause of the war&nbsp;that Vladimir Putin started in February 2022.

We explain the basic&nbsp;tenets of NATO, as well as how the inclusion of Finland can&nbsp;reshape the group.

<h2>Firstly, Why Finland and Sweden want to join the alliance?</h2>

The two nations have a long history of maintaining their neutrality and avoiding military alliances. However, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, this stance changed.&nbsp;

Experts claim that Vladimir Putin's activities have undermined a long-standing sense of stability in northern Europe, making countries like Sweden and Finland feel vulnerable, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

As soon as Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb declared that his country's membership in the alliance was a "done deal."&nbsp;

Finland had been invaded by the Soviets in late 1939. Although being vastly outnumbered, the Finnish army put up a valiant fight for more than three months. They managed to evade occupation but ultimately lost 10 per cent&nbsp;of their area.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-buying-weapons-from-north-korea-in-exchange-for-food-claims-us-577670">Russia buying weapons from North Korea in exchange for food, claims US</a>

As there have been numerous reports of Russian military aircraft violating Swedish airspace, Sweden has likewise felt at danger.

Only 28 per cent&nbsp;of Sweden's population indicated in April 2014 that they would be willing to join the alliance, according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/660842/survey-on-perception-of-nato-membership-in-sweden/">data compiled by Statista</a>. When the question was reposed in February 2022, the percentage increased to 41 per cent&nbsp;in favour of Sweden joining NATO. This percentage rose to 64 per cent&nbsp;in July 2022.&nbsp;

Similar to Finland, there was a shift in opinion about joining NATO. Only 24 per cent&nbsp;of the populace wants the nation to join the alliance in October 2021. Nevertheless, this increased to 76 per cent&nbsp;in May 2022.

Sweden and Finland were invited by all NATO partners in June of last year, and the ratification process has been proceeding ever since. While Sweden's bid to join the alliance is still encountering difficulties, Finland has received approval from all 30 countries, with Turkey being the latest to do so.

<h2>What would Finland's and Sweden's&nbsp;inclusion mean for NATO?</h2>

With Finland's inclusion, NATO's border with Russia will grow from its current 6 per cent&nbsp;land perimeter to its entire length. That would provide the alliance access to Finland's well-trained military, which currently employs weaponry that are compatible with the alliance, allowing it to increase its surveillance of Russia's western flank.

Although,&nbsp;Russia is now mired in its conflict in Ukraine, it still poses a small threat, and allies shouldn't underestimate Moscow's capacity to rebuild its military after the conflict, reported The Japan Times.&nbsp;

Additionally, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, three of the EU's Baltic countries who are frequently considered prospective targets of Russian attack, will be protected by the bloc's increased security of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea as a result of Finland's entry.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey formally approves Finland’s NATO membership

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It adds a second Arctic nation to the alliance, one whose military has been trained for cold weather, which is a valuable asset at a time when the High North is becoming more strategically significant due to China's and Russia's increased presence there.&nbsp;

Since the two Nordic countries submitted their applications in May of last year, Finland's ratification represents one of the fastest memberships in NATO history. It took two years for North Macedonia to become the last member of the alliance.

<h2>What does NATO signify and who are part of it?</h2>

The United States,&nbsp;United Kingdom, Canada, and France were among the 12 nations that established NATO in 1949. The goal of this bloc was to protect one another from the former Soviet Union. It was the first military alliance between the United States and a non-Western country.&nbsp;

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The core idea of collective defence as outlined in Article 5 binds group members, who have increased from 12 at the start to 30 at the most recent count. It still serves as a distinctive and enduring tenet that unites its members, committing them to defend one another and fostering a feeling of unity within the Alliance.

At present,&nbsp;NATO has 30 members. They are made up of 12 founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Greece, Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out.

The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out. Finland can now formally join NATO in a couple of days. “All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland’s membership,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö tweeted. “I want to thank every one of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable Ally, committed to the security of the Alliance,” he said. pic.twitter.com/bK15QpZKGX — Sauli Niinistö (@niinisto) March 30, 2023 × The role of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is prominent as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Experts have claimed that Ukraine's persistence on wanting to join the military alliance was the cause of the war that Vladimir Putin started in February 2022. We explain the basic tenets of NATO, as well as how the inclusion of Finland can reshape the group. Firstly, Why Finland and Sweden want to join the alliance? The two nations have a long history of maintaining their neutrality and avoiding military alliances. However, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, this stance changed. Experts claim that Vladimir Putin's activities have undermined a long-standing sense of stability in northern Europe, making countries like Sweden and Finland feel vulnerable, as reported by AFP. As soon as Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb declared that his country's membership in the alliance was a "done deal." Finland had been invaded by the Soviets in late 1939. Although being vastly outnumbered, the Finnish army put up a valiant fight for more than three months. They managed to evade occupation but ultimately lost 10 per cent of their area. ALSO READ | Russia buying weapons from North Korea in exchange for food, claims US As there have been numerous reports of Russian military aircraft violating Swedish airspace, Sweden has likewise felt at danger. Only 28 per cent of Sweden's population indicated in April 2014 that they would be willing to join the alliance, according to data compiled by Statista. When the question was reposed in February 2022, the percentage increased to 41 per cent in favour of Sweden joining NATO. This percentage rose to 64 per cent in July 2022. Similar to Finland, there was a shift in opinion about joining NATO. Only 24 per cent of the populace wants the nation to join the alliance in October 2021. Nevertheless, this increased to 76 per cent in May 2022. Sweden and Finland were invited by all NATO partners in June of last year, and the ratification process has been proceeding ever since. While Sweden's bid to join the alliance is still encountering difficulties, Finland has received approval from all 30 countries, with Turkey being the latest to do so. What would Finland's and Sweden's inclusion mean for NATO? With Finland's inclusion, NATO's border with Russia will grow from its current 6 per cent land perimeter to its entire length. That would provide the alliance access to Finland's well-trained military, which currently employs weaponry that are compatible with the alliance, allowing it to increase its surveillance of Russia's western flank. Although, Russia is now mired in its conflict in Ukraine, it still poses a small threat, and allies shouldn't underestimate Moscow's capacity to rebuild its military after the conflict, reported The Japan Times. Additionally, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, three of the EU's Baltic countries who are frequently considered prospective targets of Russian attack, will be protected by the bloc's increased security of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea as a result of Finland's entry. ALSO WATCH | Turkey formally approves Finland’s NATO membership It adds a second Arctic nation to the alliance, one whose military has been trained for cold weather, which is a valuable asset at a time when the High North is becoming more strategically significant due to China's and Russia's increased presence there. Since the two Nordic countries submitted their applications in May of last year, Finland's ratification represents one of the fastest memberships in NATO history. It took two years for North Macedonia to become the last member of the alliance. What does NATO signify and who are part of it? The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and France were among the 12 nations that established NATO in 1949. The goal of this bloc was to protect one another from the former Soviet Union. It was the first military alliance between the United States and a non-Western country. Map showing the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pic.twitter.com/tU2T6klTe4 — AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 10, 2022 × The core idea of collective defence as outlined in Article 5 binds group members, who have increased from 12 at the start to 30 at the most recent count. It still serves as a distinctive and enduring tenet that unites its members, committing them to defend one another and fostering a feeling of unity within the Alliance. At present, NATO has 30 members. They are made up of 12 founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Greece, Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: From neutral to NATO, what does Finland's entry mean for the military alliance?

Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The air force commanders had first discussed the closer cooperation at a meeting in Sweden in November last year.&nbsp;

“The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already known NATO methodology,” Denmark's air force said in a statement.&nbsp;

Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Major General Jan Dam, the commander of the Danish air force, said that the move to integrate the air forces of the Nordic countries was triggered by Russia's offensive in Ukraine in February last year. Major General Dam added that the combined fleet could be compared to a large European country.&nbsp;

Reuters reported on Friday that Sweden has over 90 Gripens jets; Norway has 57 F-16 fighter jets and 37 F-35 fighter jets with 15 more of the latter on order, and Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order. Denmark, meanwhile, has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order.&nbsp;

However, it was unclear how many of these aircraft were operational.&nbsp;

The signing at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week was attended by NATO's Air Command chief General James Hecker, who also oversees the US Air Force in the region, the news agency reported.&nbsp;

Norway and Denmark are already members of NATO. Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO last year and Finland is expected to join the inter-governmental military alliance within weeks. Sweden, on the other hand, is facing a delay due to resistance from Turkey and Hungary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia.

Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The air force commanders had first discussed the closer cooperation at a meeting in Sweden in November last year. “The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already known NATO methodology,” Denmark's air force said in a statement. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Major General Jan Dam, the commander of the Danish air force, said that the move to integrate the air forces of the Nordic countries was triggered by Russia's offensive in Ukraine in February last year. Major General Dam added that the combined fleet could be compared to a large European country. Reuters reported on Friday that Sweden has over 90 Gripens jets; Norway has 57 F-16 fighter jets and 37 F-35 fighter jets with 15 more of the latter on order, and Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order. Denmark, meanwhile, has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order. However, it was unclear how many of these aircraft were operational. The signing at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week was attended by NATO's Air Command chief General James Hecker, who also oversees the US Air Force in the region, the news agency reported. Norway and Denmark are already members of NATO. Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO last year and Finland is expected to join the inter-governmental military alliance within weeks. Sweden, on the other hand, is facing a delay due to resistance from Turkey and Hungary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nordic nations plan joint air defence to counter rising threat from Russia

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 41-year-old Swedish striker, on Friday became the second oldest player to feature in a European championship qualifier but his landmark night ended in a sobering 3-0 defeat to Belgium.

Ibrahimovic came on as a 73rd-minute substitute in the Euro 2024 group game in Solna.

The Swedish star, born on October 3, 1981, was initially hailed as the oldest man to take part in a European qualifier.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2024-qualifier-kylian-mbappe-kick-stats-captaincy-reign-as-france-take-on-wc-qfs-netherlands-575374">Euro 2024 qualifier: Kylian Mbappe kick starts captaincy reign as France take on WC QFs Netherlands</a>

However, it then emerged that Gibraltar striker Lee Casciaro, born on September 29, 1981, had taken the record in his team's match on Friday against Greece.

At 41 years, five months and 21 days, Ibrahimovic is still ahead of former Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who played against Sweden on May 29, 1983, at 41 years, three months and one day.&nbsp;

AC Milan's Ibrahimovic last weekend became the oldest player to score a goal in Serie A history.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, he insisted he wants to play at the Euro finals in Germany next year when he will be 42 and the oldest player to ever participate in the tournament.

However, he faces a tough battle to satisfy that ambition Romelu Lukaku bagged a hat-trick to give new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco a winning start after succeeding Roberto Martinez.

"Those are three very important points. Taking three points and scoring three goals in Sweden is never easy for any team," said Tedesco.

"Winning is always the best thing to unite a group. As for my selection choices -- the boys have shown that I wasn't wrong."

Inter Milan striker Lukaku opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, glancing Dodi Lukebakio's cross into the far corner.&nbsp;

Lukebakio also created Lukaku's second of the night.

Substitute Johan Bakayoko turned provider for Lukaku's third with seven minutes remaining as Belgium recorded a 15th successive European qualifying win.

"There were three 19-year-olds out there today. Others in their early 20s," said Bakayoko, himself just 19.

"Stars were talking and laughing with everyone. A new generation is coming."

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 41-year-old Swedish striker, on Friday became the second oldest player to feature in a European championship qualifier but his landmark night ended in a sobering 3-0 defeat to Belgium.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 41-year-old Swedish striker, on Friday became the second oldest player to feature in a European championship qualifier but his landmark night ended in a sobering 3-0 defeat to Belgium. Ibrahimovic came on as a 73rd-minute substitute in the Euro 2024 group game in Solna. The Swedish star, born on October 3, 1981, was initially hailed as the oldest man to take part in a European qualifier. Also Read: Euro 2024 qualifier: Kylian Mbappe kick starts captaincy reign as France take on WC QFs Netherlands However, it then emerged that Gibraltar striker Lee Casciaro, born on September 29, 1981, had taken the record in his team's match on Friday against Greece. At 41 years, five months and 21 days, Ibrahimovic is still ahead of former Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who played against Sweden on May 29, 1983, at 41 years, three months and one day. AC Milan's Ibrahimovic last weekend became the oldest player to score a goal in Serie A history. Earlier this week, he insisted he wants to play at the Euro finals in Germany next year when he will be 42 and the oldest player to ever participate in the tournament. However, he faces a tough battle to satisfy that ambition Romelu Lukaku bagged a hat-trick to give new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco a winning start after succeeding Roberto Martinez. "Those are three very important points. Taking three points and scoring three goals in Sweden is never easy for any team," said Tedesco. "Winning is always the best thing to unite a group. As for my selection choices -- the boys have shown that I wasn't wrong." Inter Milan striker Lukaku opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, glancing Dodi Lukebakio's cross into the far corner. Lukebakio also created Lukaku's second of the night. Substitute Johan Bakayoko turned provider for Lukaku's third with seven minutes remaining as Belgium recorded a 15th successive European qualifying win. "There were three 19-year-olds out there today. Others in their early 20s," said Bakayoko, himself just 19. "Stars were talking and laughing with everyone. A new generation is coming." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Euro 2024 Qualifier: Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic pipped by Gibraltar's Lee Casciaro as oldest player

Sweden's Foreign Minister said that Turkiye not approving its bid to join NATO, is something Sweden did not want but was prepared for. On Friday, Turkiye decided to ratify Finland's application but not Sweden's. Sweden says it is only a matter of time before the membership bid is accepted.

Turkiye contemplates NATO membership for Sweden, approves Finland

Sweden on Sunday condemned the death sentence confirmed by Iran's Supreme Court against a Swedish-Iranian dissident and said it was seeking further clarity on the matter, reported AFP news agency.&nbsp;

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom wrote to AFP in an email that the death sentence is an "inhumane" punishment and the nation along with the European Union condemn the action taken by the judiciary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The death sentence is an inhumane and irreversible punishment and Sweden, together with the rest of the EU, condemn its use in all circumstances," Billstrom wrote.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-oil-giant-aramco-reports-record-profit-of-1611-billion-in-2022-571141">Saudi oil giant Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022</a>

Iran's Supreme Court on Sunday upheld the Iranian-Swedish dissident Habib Farajollah Chaab's death sentence for alleged terrorist activities. The court also hinted that he would be executed soon.

Chaab was found guilty of heading an Arab separatist group that was suspected of carrying out assaults as the one on a military parade in 2018 that left 25 people dead and close to 250 injured. Without disclosing his location or method of capture, Iran claimed in 2020 that its security forces had detained Chaab in Turkey and brought him to Tehran.

Iran’s judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported, “Chaab was sentenced to death after several court sessions with the presence of his lawyer... The Supreme Court confirmed his death sentence."

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-us-in-june-engagement-with-india-to-counter-china-571114">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China</a>

The incidents of Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish scholar detained in Tehran on espionage allegations, and Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian official imprisoned in Sweden on suspicion of violating human rights, have contributed to the deterioration of ties between Sweden and Iran in recent years.

A court in Ahvaz executed six other individuals who were said to be part of the group last week. The individuals were sentenced on charges&nbsp;of executing separate "terrorist" activities between 2017 and 2019.&nbsp;

It included the killing of&nbsp;two members of the Basij paramilitary organisation in Abadan and a law enforcement member and a military conscript in Khuzestan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sweden on Sunday condemned the death sentence confirmed by Iran's Supreme Court against a Swedish-Iranian dissident and said it was seeking further clarity on the matter, reported AFP news agency.

Sweden on Sunday condemned the death sentence confirmed by Iran's Supreme Court against a Swedish-Iranian dissident and said it was seeking further clarity on the matter, reported AFP news agency. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom wrote to AFP in an email that the death sentence is an "inhumane" punishment and the nation along with the European Union condemn the action taken by the judiciary. "The death sentence is an inhumane and irreversible punishment and Sweden, together with the rest of the EU, condemn its use in all circumstances," Billstrom wrote. Also Read | Saudi oil giant Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022 Iran's Supreme Court on Sunday upheld the Iranian-Swedish dissident Habib Farajollah Chaab's death sentence for alleged terrorist activities. The court also hinted that he would be executed soon. Chaab was found guilty of heading an Arab separatist group that was suspected of carrying out assaults as the one on a military parade in 2018 that left 25 people dead and close to 250 injured. Without disclosing his location or method of capture, Iran claimed in 2020 that its security forces had detained Chaab in Turkey and brought him to Tehran. Iran’s judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported, “Chaab was sentenced to death after several court sessions with the presence of his lawyer... The Supreme Court confirmed his death sentence." WATCH | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China The incidents of Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish scholar detained in Tehran on espionage allegations, and Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian official imprisoned in Sweden on suspicion of violating human rights, have contributed to the deterioration of ties between Sweden and Iran in recent years. A court in Ahvaz executed six other individuals who were said to be part of the group last week. The individuals were sentenced on charges of executing separate "terrorist" activities between 2017 and 2019. It included the killing of two members of the Basij paramilitary organisation in Abadan and a law enforcement member and a military conscript in Khuzestan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Inhumane': Sweden condemns Iran for upholding death sentence of Swedish-Iranian dissident

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that has witnessed fierce fighting in recent months, may fall into Russian hands in the coming days.&nbsp;

“What we see is that Russia is throwing more troops, more forces and what Russia lacks in quality they try to make up in quantity," Stoltenberg said after a meeting of EU defence ministers in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

“They have suffered big losses, but at the same time, we cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-since-taking-charge-australia-pm-albanese-arrives-in-india-569957">In a first since taking charge, Australia PM Albanese arrives in India</a>

The head of the trans-Atlantic alliance urged the member countries to continue lending support to Ukraine. “It just highlights that we should not underestimate Russia. We must continue to provide support to Ukraine,” he said.

Stoltenberg on Wednesday said Sweden and Finland's blocked bids for membership in the Western military alliance have made progress. His remarks came ahead of the meeting with officials from Sweden, Finland, and Turkey at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aurat-march-baton-charged-as-demonstrations-mark-womens-day-across-world-569967">Pakistan Aurat March baton charged as demonstrations mark women's day across world</a>

“I don't expect the process to be concluded tomorrow. But I'm confident that Finland, Sweden will become NATO's allies,” Stoltenberg told media personnel in Stockholm.

Meanwhile, Josep Borrell, the head of foreign affairs for the European Union, said on Wednesday that he had urged the grouping to&nbsp;spend €1 billion to replenish their own stocks as well as to&nbsp;buy ammunition jointly for Ukraine. “I propose to mobilise another €1bn,” Reuters reported he told the media after a meeting of EU defence ministers in Stockholm.

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Borrell also discussed the investigations into the explosions of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, stating that no conclusions could be made while the inquiries were still underway. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that has witnessed fierce fighting in recent months, may fall into Russian hands in the coming days.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that has witnessed fierce fighting in recent months, may fall into Russian hands in the coming days. “What we see is that Russia is throwing more troops, more forces and what Russia lacks in quality they try to make up in quantity," Stoltenberg said after a meeting of EU defence ministers in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. “They have suffered big losses, but at the same time, we cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days.” Also Read | In a first since taking charge, Australia PM Albanese arrives in India The head of the trans-Atlantic alliance urged the member countries to continue lending support to Ukraine. “It just highlights that we should not underestimate Russia. We must continue to provide support to Ukraine,” he said. Stoltenberg on Wednesday said Sweden and Finland's blocked bids for membership in the Western military alliance have made progress. His remarks came ahead of the meeting with officials from Sweden, Finland, and Turkey at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. Also Read | Pakistan Aurat March baton charged as demonstrations mark women's day across world “I don't expect the process to be concluded tomorrow. But I'm confident that Finland, Sweden will become NATO's allies,” Stoltenberg told media personnel in Stockholm. Meanwhile, Josep Borrell, the head of foreign affairs for the European Union, said on Wednesday that he had urged the grouping to spend €1 billion to replenish their own stocks as well as to buy ammunition jointly for Ukraine. “I propose to mobilise another €1bn,” Reuters reported he told the media after a meeting of EU defence ministers in Stockholm. Watch | UN Chief warns gender equality will take 300 years to achieve Borrell also discussed the investigations into the explosions of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, stating that no conclusions could be made while the inquiries were still underway. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bakhmut may fall within days, must not underestimate Russia: NATO chief

In pics | Archaeologists find over 500-year-old ‘unique’ cache of well-preserved spices

A Swedish Parliament spokesperson said on Thursday (March 2) that a delegation of Hungarian lawmakers plans to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss the Nordic country's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking to the news agency Reuters, the spokesperson said the delegation led by Hungary's Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Csaba Hende will meet with Swedish Speaker Andreas Nolen.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Finland said it also expected a visit from a Hungarian delegation.&nbsp;

The two Nordic countries applied to join the intergovernmental military alliance last year due to Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Hungary and Turkey are the only NATO members who do not yet have ratified the bids.

Sweden has been facing objections from Turkey (to join NATO), which accused Stockholm of harbouring members of Kurdish terrorist groups. While Turkey indicated that it could approve Finland's application, it gave no assurances that it would greenlight Sweden's bid. The United States and others hope that the two Nordic countries will be a part of NATO at a summit in Lithuania in July.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Hungarian lawmakers started debating NATO bids for Sweden and Finland with voting to take place from March 20, after it was initially scheduled for March 6-9. Opposition MP Agnes Vadai called the ruling party Fidesz's internal debate a mere tactic to delay the ratification, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Also on Wednesday, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said that his country joining NATO along with Finland was a major unexpected consequence for Russia.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Estonia, Jonson said, "If Moscow had one strategic goal with my country and with Finland, I think it was to keep us outside of NATO. Three months after this war started, Sweden and Finland&nbsp;applied hand-in-hand for NATO membership. That is the mother of all unintended consequences for Russian geostrategic thinking, believe me,"&nbsp;Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Swedish Parliament spokesperson said on Thursday (March 2) that a delegation of Hungarian lawmakers plans to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss the Nordic country's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

A Swedish Parliament spokesperson said on Thursday (March 2) that a delegation of Hungarian lawmakers plans to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss the Nordic country's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking to the news agency Reuters, the spokesperson said the delegation led by Hungary's Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Csaba Hende will meet with Swedish Speaker Andreas Nolen. Earlier this week, Finland said it also expected a visit from a Hungarian delegation. The two Nordic countries applied to join the intergovernmental military alliance last year due to Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Hungary and Turkey are the only NATO members who do not yet have ratified the bids. Sweden has been facing objections from Turkey (to join NATO), which accused Stockholm of harbouring members of Kurdish terrorist groups. While Turkey indicated that it could approve Finland's application, it gave no assurances that it would greenlight Sweden's bid. The United States and others hope that the two Nordic countries will be a part of NATO at a summit in Lithuania in July. On Wednesday, Hungarian lawmakers started debating NATO bids for Sweden and Finland with voting to take place from March 20, after it was initially scheduled for March 6-9. Opposition MP Agnes Vadai called the ruling party Fidesz's internal debate a mere tactic to delay the ratification, the news agency AFP reported. Also on Wednesday, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said that his country joining NATO along with Finland was a major unexpected consequence for Russia. Speaking to reporters in Estonia, Jonson said, "If Moscow had one strategic goal with my country and with Finland, I think it was to keep us outside of NATO. Three months after this war started, Sweden and Finland applied hand-in-hand for NATO membership. That is the mother of all unintended consequences for Russian geostrategic thinking, believe me," Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hungarian MPs plan to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss NATO bid: Stockholm

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine.

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine. The report comes in the backdrop of Europol - the EU's law enforcement agency, issuing a warning in July last year. The agency stated that ”the proliferation of firearms and explosives in Ukraine could lead to an increase in weapons and munitions trafficked into the EU via established smuggling routes or online platforms." Sweden may not be the only Nordic country in the region to have gained access to Ukrainian weapons. Last year in October, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated that weapons sent to Ukraine may have found their way back to Finland. Incidentally, both countries are currently vying for a spot in NATO, ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Read more: Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by an ‘irate’ Turkey Similarly, Ukraine-bound weapons have surfaced in the Sahel region of Africa and nations around the Chad basin. Why has Sweden become the destination for Ukrainian weapons? Lately, gun-related violence has increased manifold in Sweden. According to the Swedish national council for crime prevention, it is the only European country where fatal gun shooting incidents have increased since 2000. The jump from being the country with the lowest rates of gun violence to the highest within a couple of decades has surprised experts. Former prime minister Magdalena Andersson attributed the rise in gun violence to the influx of immigrants who were not properly assimilated into the mainstream. WATCH | WION decodes the future of Ukraine-Russia war × "Sweden has failed to integrate the vast numbers of immigrants it has taken in over the past two decades, leading to parallel societies and gang violence," said Andersson, before adding, "Society has been too weak, resources for the police and social services have been too weak." Last year's Quran burnings and subsequent riots resulted in some of the most ugly pictures to have come out of Sweden in recent years. Experts are of the view that the illicit trade of contraband arms and ammunition from Ukraine could further the divide in the country. Read more: LIVE Russia-Ukraine war | Moscow accuses US of preparing a 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Are Swedish gangs receiving weapons destined for Ukraine?

Finland took one step closer to becoming a member of NATO as the country’s parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join the military alliance.

Finland lawmakers will debate a bill in this regard on Tuesday, when NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will meet with Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinisto.

A vote on the bill will then take place on Wednesday, and is expected to sail through without much opposition, as the initial membership bid in May was backed by 188 of the 200 members in parliament.

Once the bill is approved by the parliament, it will be sent to the president, whose signature is required to formalise the bidding process.

After the president has signed the law, Finland will submit the instruments of accession to Washington.

Many MPs have been looking to push through the legislation for the NATO membership bid expeditiously before Finland goes into polls on April 2.

<h2>Finland's NATO membership: Turkiye likely to approve the country's application</h2>

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Finland and Sweden both applied to join the transatlantic defence alliance last year in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And NATO membership requires the support of all 30 members.

Though Finland received the backing of all the members, Sweden faced objections from Turkey over recent back-to-back protests in Stockholm.

While the first protest was led by a Kurdish group, where an effigy of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was shown hanging from its feet in Stockholm. Another protest was organised by far-right politician Rasmus Paludan, who burnt a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy.

Erdogan had said that Turkey won’t support Sweden’s ascension bid to NATO, and demanded that they extradite dozens of suspects, which it considers “terrorists", including the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Finland, on the other hand, was viewed favourably by Turkey, with its Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday saying, "We may separate Sweden and Finland's membership process.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Finland took one step closer to becoming a member of NATO as the country’s parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join the military alliance.

Finland took one step closer to becoming a member of NATO as the country’s parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join the military alliance. Finland lawmakers will debate a bill in this regard on Tuesday, when NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will meet with Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinisto. A vote on the bill will then take place on Wednesday, and is expected to sail through without much opposition, as the initial membership bid in May was backed by 188 of the 200 members in parliament. Once the bill is approved by the parliament, it will be sent to the president, whose signature is required to formalise the bidding process. After the president has signed the law, Finland will submit the instruments of accession to Washington. Many MPs have been looking to push through the legislation for the NATO membership bid expeditiously before Finland goes into polls on April 2. Finland's NATO membership: Turkiye likely to approve the country's application Finland and Sweden both applied to join the transatlantic defence alliance last year in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And NATO membership requires the support of all 30 members. Though Finland received the backing of all the members, Sweden faced objections from Turkey over recent back-to-back protests in Stockholm. While the first protest was led by a Kurdish group, where an effigy of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was shown hanging from its feet in Stockholm. Another protest was organised by far-right politician Rasmus Paludan, who burnt a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy. Erdogan had said that Turkey won’t support Sweden’s ascension bid to NATO, and demanded that they extradite dozens of suspects, which it considers “terrorists", including the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Finland, on the other hand, was viewed favourably by Turkey, with its Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday saying, "We may separate Sweden and Finland's membership process.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by Turkey

Armand&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;of Sweden set a new world pole vault record of 6.22 metres at an indoor meeting in France on Saturday, describing it as "almost an out-of-body experience". Olympic champion&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;improved his own record of 6.21m that he set in winning the world title outdoors in Oregon last year.

Competing at the All-Star Perche meeting in Clermont-Ferrand, central France organised by 2012 Olympic pole vault champion Renaud Lavillenie,&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;cleared the new record at his third attempt to the delight of the 4,000-strong crowd.&nbsp;

Duplantis, 23, said: "When you have moments like this, when the energy is so high, and you're going down there for the record, it feels like levitating, it feels like my body never even touched the ground the whole jump.

"There's something about it that just feels overwhelming right now, and I really think it's because Renaud means so much to me, he's meant so much to me since I first started, he's been my biggest inspiration, biggest idol.

"He really motivated me, made me believe that I could break the world record. So for me to break the world record here, his hometown, his competition that he hosts…"

US-born&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;entered the competition at 5.71 metre, clearing that height at his first attempt.&nbsp;

He passed at 5.81 metre and managed 5.91 metre on his second try before winning the competition by clearing 6.01 metre on his first attempt before having the bar raised to the record height.

It was the sixth time that&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;has broken the world record.

He set the first in Torun in February 2020, when he cleared 6.17m to add a centimetre to Lavillenie's previous world record of 6.16m that had stood since 2014.

"Each world record feels like it brings something a bit different out of me,"&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;said. "Maybe the first one might have been a bit crazier, but this might be number two right now, it's really unbelievable."

He said re-writing the record books no longer left him with any nerves.

"The pressure doesn't really feel the same anymore to me. I've proved a lot the past few years, the past two years especially, and I know what kind of jumper I am, what I am capable of.

"I know that I am deserving to be in the spot that I am."

Duplantis&nbsp;is giving the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul next month a miss so will focus on the outdoor season and winning back-to-back world outdoor titles in Budapest in August. 
 
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Armand Duplantis of Sweden set a new world pole vault record of 6.22 metres at an indoor meeting in France on Saturday, describing it as "almost an out-of-body experience".

Armand Duplantis of Sweden set a new world pole vault record of 6.22 metres at an indoor meeting in France on Saturday, describing it as "almost an out-of-body experience". Olympic champion Duplantis improved his own record of 6.21m that he set in winning the world title outdoors in Oregon last year. Competing at the All-Star Perche meeting in Clermont-Ferrand, central France organised by 2012 Olympic pole vault champion Renaud Lavillenie, Duplantis cleared the new record at his third attempt to the delight of the 4,000-strong crowd. Duplantis, 23, said: "When you have moments like this, when the energy is so high, and you're going down there for the record, it feels like levitating, it feels like my body never even touched the ground the whole jump. "There's something about it that just feels overwhelming right now, and I really think it's because Renaud means so much to me, he's meant so much to me since I first started, he's been my biggest inspiration, biggest idol. "He really motivated me, made me believe that I could break the world record. So for me to break the world record here, his hometown, his competition that he hosts…" US-born Duplantis entered the competition at 5.71 metre, clearing that height at his first attempt. He passed at 5.81 metre and managed 5.91 metre on his second try before winning the competition by clearing 6.01 metre on his first attempt before having the bar raised to the record height. It was the sixth time that Duplantis has broken the world record. He set the first in Torun in February 2020, when he cleared 6.17m to add a centimetre to Lavillenie's previous world record of 6.16m that had stood since 2014. "Each world record feels like it brings something a bit different out of me," Duplantis said. "Maybe the first one might have been a bit crazier, but this might be number two right now, it's really unbelievable." He said re-writing the record books no longer left him with any nerves. "The pressure doesn't really feel the same anymore to me. I've proved a lot the past few years, the past two years especially, and I know what kind of jumper I am, what I am capable of. "I know that I am deserving to be in the spot that I am." Duplantis is giving the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul next month a miss so will focus on the outdoor season and winning back-to-back world outdoor titles in Budapest in August. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sweden's Armand Duplantis does it again, sets new world record in pole vault

Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson is set to lay off 8,500 employees in a cost-cutting effort and according to the reports, most of the layoffs would be done in the first half of 2023 and as early as the rest of 2024.

Swedish company Ericsson to lay off 8,500 workers globally; to be implemented in first half of 2023

Part of a broader plan to reduce costs globally, Swedish Telecom gear makers - Ericsson plans to get about 1,400 jobs in Sweden alone. The move is a part of companies' earlier announced plan to get cost by $880 million by the end of this year.

Major global tech firms going for job cuts: Ericsson to cut 1,400 jobs

For the first time ever, Swedish Defence firm SAAB will set up a weapons factory outside their home country and the factory will be in India. Watch this report to know more insights.

Aero India 2023: Swedish firm SAAB to set up factory in India

It is election season in Turkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leaving no stone unturned to guarantee his 3rd decade in office. While the cost of living crisis tops the voter concerns, he is counting on foreign policy to sweep this poll. Ghadi Francis brings you the full report on this week's The West Asia Post only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Sweden's NATO entry: A poll issue in Turkiye

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