Sweden and Finland are likely to submit bids for membership. NATO is ready to welcome two members and the NATO chief said Finland and Sweden will join NATO quite soon.

NATO's Nordic expansion: Finland & Sweden prepares to join NATO

In the upcoming summer the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could add two more Nordic countries into the group. Now Finland and Sweden are preparing to submit their membership bids for NATO.

NATO chief says 'Finland and Sweden to join NATO soon'

More than 40 people have been arrested after violent clashes broke out in Sweden. The unrest was triggered after a political claimed he burned a copy of Quran. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Riots in Sweden: Over 40 arrested

A 20-storey wooden skyscraper has been built in Sweden. Will we see more wooden skyscrapers? Watch this report to know more.

Will we see more wooden skyscrapers? A 20-storey wooden skyscraper built in Sweden

In Sweden unrest has been reported in several towns for the third day running since Quran burnings caused riots over the easter weekend. In the Swedish town of Norrkoping, at least three people have been hit by police bullets during clashes between the police and the protesters.

Unrest in Sweden over Quran burning during Easter weekend

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer.

The statement is significant since Russia last week warned of consequences if Finland and its neighbour Sweden tried to join the US-led military alliance.

The Russian military’s offensive in Ukraine has alarmed these Nordic countries who are now looking to shed their non-alignment policy.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, minister Lintilä said, "Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack...And, I have to say, the EU is stronger than ever in this case."

The economic minister is accompanied by a big business delegation and he is expected to meet many Indian ministers.

India’s trade with Finland crossed US$ 1 billion (Euros 870 million) mark, and is heavily in Finland’s favour.

Trade in services is growing and has crossed US$ 1.5 billion (Euros 1.3 billion) mark with many Indian IT companies positioned in Finland.

According to Indian government estimates, Finnish companies invested US$ 497 million between April 2000 and December 2019. Within the EU, Finland ranks 12th among countries investing in India.

More than 100 Finnish companies have operations in India, including through investments. Nokia, Kone, Wartsila, UPM, Fortum, Metso, Huhtamaki, Salcomp, Ahlstrom, etc. have set up their manufacturing facilities in India.

&nbsp;

WION: What is the focus of your visit to India?

Mika Lintilä: India is a very important and interesting partner. Finland is total export country, more than 40 per cent of our GDP is contributed by exports. In this situation, we need more and more companies to do export, bring investment in Finland and so on, and India is very important and has a lot of potential. We already have good relations between our countries. I want to have open doors for Indian companies. I have 13 companies in my delegation who are very interested in cooperating with Indian companies.

&nbsp;

WION: You are going to meet the policymakers, what are you going to tell them&nbsp;and what Finland can offer?

Mika Lintilä: For example, we can cooperate in the research sector, or can focus on our biggest challenge—climate change. Finland is one of the front runners in new technologies in the energy sector, like circular economy. We can offer (assistance) in the energy sector. This could be a sector in which we can have more cooperation.

&nbsp;

WION: Basically, you are mentioning clean energy

Mika Lintilä: Over 50 per cent of our energy needs come from renewable energy sources. We have different ways, like wind power, a little bit of solar power, not so much as India, biomass and so on. The one area where Finland has been a major player is the waste to energy. I am 100 per cent sure, we can offer you solutions where you can use waste to energy better.

&nbsp;

WION: What is Finland’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Mika Lintilä: Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack. It is totally violent and against international law. Of course, war in Europe is very complicated, people are nervous. I have to say that the EU is stronger than ever in this case.

&nbsp;

WION: Europe is heavily reliant on Russian energy, what is your government doing to address that?

Mika Lintilä: Actually, our situation is quite good, because, for example, we import oil from other countries as well. Only 5 per cent of our energy needs are met with the Russian gas. But it could be a big challenge for Germany which uses a lot of Russian gas.

&nbsp;

WION: What can you do to help the European continent to reduce its dependency on Russian energy?

Mika Lintilä: We already have independent production in the energy sector, but as I said, there are a lot of European countries who are reliant on Russian gas. They have to find a new way to reduce their dependence and develop other sources of energy.

&nbsp;

WION: Will Finland join NATO? Because this is something that has been in news, and we saw the reaction from Moscow, which has sounded a warning

Mika Lintilä: The security situation is totally different as it was a few months ago. It could be possible that both countries or I can say that the Finish side could possibly join NATO this summer.

&nbsp;

WION: Indian PM will be visiting Denmark for the India-Nordic summit. We are going to have the Nordic leaders' summit as well, what will be the key focus?

Mika Lintilä: I don't know what will be discussed, but I can imagine that they are watching the big picture in the security situation globally and especially in Europe. Of course, they discussed how to continue relations with Russia. But they were talking before the invasion scenario. Now, it is difficult as these sanctions are tight.

&nbsp;

WION: Are European sanctions working on Russian leadership?

Mika Lintilä: I think sanctions working are better, but the main question is the energy sector, especially gas and oil. I am sure, the next sanctions will be on oil. In the financial sector, sanctions are tight and they work very well.

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer.

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer. The statement is significant since Russia last week warned of consequences if Finland and its neighbour Sweden tried to join the US-led military alliance. The Russian military’s offensive in Ukraine has alarmed these Nordic countries who are now looking to shed their non-alignment policy. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, minister Lintilä said, "Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack...And, I have to say, the EU is stronger than ever in this case." The economic minister is accompanied by a big business delegation and he is expected to meet many Indian ministers. India’s trade with Finland crossed US$ 1 billion (Euros 870 million) mark, and is heavily in Finland’s favour. Trade in services is growing and has crossed US$ 1.5 billion (Euros 1.3 billion) mark with many Indian IT companies positioned in Finland. According to Indian government estimates, Finnish companies invested US$ 497 million between April 2000 and December 2019. Within the EU, Finland ranks 12th among countries investing in India. More than 100 Finnish companies have operations in India, including through investments. Nokia, Kone, Wartsila, UPM, Fortum, Metso, Huhtamaki, Salcomp, Ahlstrom, etc. have set up their manufacturing facilities in India. WION: What is the focus of your visit to India? Mika Lintilä: India is a very important and interesting partner. Finland is total export country, more than 40 per cent of our GDP is contributed by exports. In this situation, we need more and more companies to do export, bring investment in Finland and so on, and India is very important and has a lot of potential. We already have good relations between our countries. I want to have open doors for Indian companies. I have 13 companies in my delegation who are very interested in cooperating with Indian companies. WION: You are going to meet the policymakers, what are you going to tell them and what Finland can offer? Mika Lintilä: For example, we can cooperate in the research sector, or can focus on our biggest challenge—climate change. Finland is one of the front runners in new technologies in the energy sector, like circular economy. We can offer (assistance) in the energy sector. This could be a sector in which we can have more cooperation. WION: Basically, you are mentioning clean energy Mika Lintilä: Over 50 per cent of our energy needs come from renewable energy sources. We have different ways, like wind power, a little bit of solar power, not so much as India, biomass and so on. The one area where Finland has been a major player is the waste to energy. I am 100 per cent sure, we can offer you solutions where you can use waste to energy better. WION: What is Finland’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Mika Lintilä: Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack. It is totally violent and against international law. Of course, war in Europe is very complicated, people are nervous. I have to say that the EU is stronger than ever in this case. WION: Europe is heavily reliant on Russian energy, what is your government doing to address that? Mika Lintilä: Actually, our situation is quite good, because, for example, we import oil from other countries as well. Only 5 per cent of our energy needs are met with the Russian gas. But it could be a big challenge for Germany which uses a lot of Russian gas. WION: What can you do to help the European continent to reduce its dependency on Russian energy? Mika Lintilä: We already have independent production in the energy sector, but as I said, there are a lot of European countries who are reliant on Russian gas. They have to find a new way to reduce their dependence and develop other sources of energy. WION: Will Finland join NATO? Because this is something that has been in news, and we saw the reaction from Moscow, which has sounded a warning Mika Lintilä: The security situation is totally different as it was a few months ago. It could be possible that both countries or I can say that the Finish side could possibly join NATO this summer. WION: Indian PM will be visiting Denmark for the India-Nordic summit. We are going to have the Nordic leaders' summit as well, what will be the key focus? Mika Lintilä: I don't know what will be discussed, but I can imagine that they are watching the big picture in the security situation globally and especially in Europe. Of course, they discussed how to continue relations with Russia. But they were talking before the invasion scenario. Now, it is difficult as these sanctions are tight. WION: Are European sanctions working on Russian leadership? Mika Lintilä: I think sanctions working are better, but the main question is the energy sector, especially gas and oil. I am sure, the next sanctions will be on oil. In the financial sector, sanctions are tight and they work very well.

Finland can possibly join NATO this summer: Minister Lintilä to WION

Several injured as new clashes erupt over anti-immigration rally in Sweden

Right-wing extremists gathered allegedly to burn Quran in Sweden which led to clashes with police. Riot-like situations were reported in several Sweden towns with at least three people getting injured and multiple vehicles getting torched. Sweden Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has condemned the violence.

Why are riots happening in Sweden?

In most cities around the world, modern architecture has been symbolized by tall skyscrapers made of glass and steel but in Sweden, the architecture is being challenged by wooden structures that are both aesthetically designed and environmentally friendly.

Eco-friendly modern architecture: World's 2nd tallest tower made of wood

Russia warned Sweden and Finland that if they joined NATO, then it will deploy nuclear weapons in hypersonic missiles in the heart of Europe. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is pushing Finland and Sweden towards NATO

Russia warns of Nuke and Hypersonic deployment to Baltic

One of&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest allies warned&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;on Thursday that if&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;and&nbsp;Finland&nbsp;joined the U.S.-led military alliance then&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;would have to bolster its defences in the region, including by deploying&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons.

Finland, which shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with&nbsp;Russia,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;are considering&nbsp;joining the&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;alliance. Finland&nbsp;will make a decision in the next few weeks, Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Wednesday.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of&nbsp;Russia's Security Council, said that should&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;and&nbsp;Finland&nbsp;join&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;then&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;would have to strengthen its land, naval&nbsp;and&nbsp;air forces in the Baltic Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-hope-the-world-comes-back-to-its-senses-world-treats-black-and-white-lives-unequally-says-who-chief-470945">'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief</a>

Medvedev also explicitly raised the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;threat by saying that there could be no more talk of a "nuclear&nbsp;free" Baltic - where Russia has its Kaliningrad exclave sandwiched between Poland&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lithuania.

"There can be no more talk of any&nbsp;nuclear–free status for the Baltic - the balance must be restored," said Medvedev, who was president from 2008 to 2012.

"Until today,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has not taken such measures&nbsp;and&nbsp;was not going to," Medvedev said. "If our hand&nbsp;is forced well... take note it wasn't us who proposed this," he added.

Lithuania said&nbsp;Russia's threats were nothing new&nbsp;and&nbsp;that Moscow had deployed&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons to Kaliningrad long before the war in Ukraine.

The possible accession of Finland&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;into&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;- founded in 1949 to provide collective Western security against the Soviet Union - would be one of the biggest European strategic consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Finland&nbsp;gained independence from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in 1917&nbsp;and&nbsp;fought two wars against it during World War Two during which it lost some territory to Moscow. On Thursday, Finland&nbsp;announced a military exercise in Western Finland&nbsp;with the participation of forces from Britain, the United States, Latvia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Estonia.

Sweden&nbsp;has not fought a war for 200 years&nbsp;and&nbsp;post-war foreign policy has focused on supporting democracy internationally, multilateral dialogue&nbsp;and&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;disarmament.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia

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Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad is of particular importance in the northern European theatre. Formerly the Prussian port of Koenigsberg, capital of East Prussia, it lies less than 1400 km from London&nbsp;and&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;and&nbsp;500 km from Berlin.

Russia&nbsp;said in 2018 it had deployed Iskander missiles to Kaliningrad, which was captured by the Red Army in April 1945&nbsp;and&nbsp;ceded to the Soviet Union at the Potsdam conference.

The Iskander, known as SS-26 Stone by&nbsp;NATO, is a short-range tactical ballistic missile system that can carry both conventional&nbsp;and&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;warheads.

Its official range is 500 km but some Western military sources suspect its range may be much greater.

"No sane person wants higher prices&nbsp;and&nbsp;higher taxes, increased tensions along borders, Iskanders, hypersonics&nbsp;and&nbsp;ships with&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons literally at arm's length from their own home," Medvedev said.

"Let's hope that the common sense of our northern neighbors will win," said Medvedev.

Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;had deployed&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons to Kaliningrad even before the war.

"Nuclear&nbsp;weapons have always been kept in Kaliningrad ... the international community, the countries in the region, are perfectly aware of this," Anusauskas was quoted as saying by BNS. "They use it as a threat."

Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands of people, displaced millions&nbsp;and&nbsp;raised fears of a wider confrontation between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;the United States - by far the world's two biggest&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;powers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-russias-tit-for-tat-move-slaps-sanctions-on-us-canada-470856">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move;&nbsp;slaps sanctions on US, Canada</a>

Putin says the "special military operation" in Ukraine is necessary because the United States was using Ukraine to threaten&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Moscow had to defend against the persecution of&nbsp;Russian-speaking people by Ukraine.

Ukraine says it is fighting against an imperial-style land&nbsp;grab&nbsp;and&nbsp;that Putin's claims of genocide are nonsense. US&nbsp;President Joe Biden says Putin is a war criminal&nbsp;and&nbsp;a dictator.

Putin says the conflict in Ukraine as part of a much broader confrontation with the United States which he says is trying to enforce its hegemony even as its dominance over the international order declines.

One of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest allies warned NATO on Thursday that if Sweden and Finland joined the U.S.-led military alliance then Russia would have to bolster its defences in the region, including by deploying nuclear weapons.

One of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest allies warned NATO on Thursday that if Sweden and Finland joined the U.S.-led military alliance then Russia would have to bolster its defences in the region, including by deploying nuclear weapons. Finland, which shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia, and Sweden are considering joining the NATO alliance. Finland will make a decision in the next few weeks, Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Wednesday. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said that should Sweden and Finland join NATO then Russia would have to strengthen its land, naval and air forces in the Baltic Sea. Also read | 'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief Medvedev also explicitly raised the nuclear threat by saying that there could be no more talk of a "nuclear free" Baltic - where Russia has its Kaliningrad exclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania. "There can be no more talk of any nuclear–free status for the Baltic - the balance must be restored," said Medvedev, who was president from 2008 to 2012. "Until today, Russia has not taken such measures and was not going to," Medvedev said. "If our hand is forced well... take note it wasn't us who proposed this," he added. Lithuania said Russia's threats were nothing new and that Moscow had deployed nuclear weapons to Kaliningrad long before the war in Ukraine. The possible accession of Finland and Sweden into NATO - founded in 1949 to provide collective Western security against the Soviet Union - would be one of the biggest European strategic consequences of the war in Ukraine. Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917 and fought two wars against it during World War Two during which it lost some territory to Moscow. On Thursday, Finland announced a military exercise in Western Finland with the participation of forces from Britain, the United States, Latvia and Estonia. Sweden has not fought a war for 200 years and post-war foreign policy has focused on supporting democracy internationally, multilateral dialogue and nuclear disarmament. Watch | Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia Kaliningrad Kaliningrad is of particular importance in the northern European theatre. Formerly the Prussian port of Koenigsberg, capital of East Prussia, it lies less than 1400 km from London and Paris and 500 km from Berlin. Russia said in 2018 it had deployed Iskander missiles to Kaliningrad, which was captured by the Red Army in April 1945 and ceded to the Soviet Union at the Potsdam conference. The Iskander, known as SS-26 Stone by NATO, is a short-range tactical ballistic missile system that can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Its official range is 500 km but some Western military sources suspect its range may be much greater. "No sane person wants higher prices and higher taxes, increased tensions along borders, Iskanders, hypersonics and ships with nuclear weapons literally at arm's length from their own home," Medvedev said. "Let's hope that the common sense of our northern neighbors will win," said Medvedev. Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said Russia had deployed nuclear weapons to Kaliningrad even before the war. "Nuclear weapons have always been kept in Kaliningrad ... the international community, the countries in the region, are perfectly aware of this," Anusauskas was quoted as saying by BNS. "They use it as a threat." Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands of people, displaced millions and raised fears of a wider confrontation between Russia and the United States - by far the world's two biggest nuclear powers. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move; slaps sanctions on US, Canada Putin says the "special military operation" in Ukraine is necessary because the United States was using Ukraine to threaten Russia and Moscow had to defend against the persecution of Russian-speaking people by Ukraine. Ukraine says it is fighting against an imperial-style land grab and that Putin's claims of genocide are nonsense. US President Joe Biden says Putin is a war criminal and a dictator. Putin says the conflict in Ukraine as part of a much broader confrontation with the United States which he says is trying to enforce its hegemony even as its dominance over the international order declines.

Russia warns of nuclear deployment if Sweden and Finland join NATO

Finland and Sweden which have traditionally remained neutral are now anxious to join the NATO alliance. The Russia-Ukraine war has fundamentally changed Europe's security architecture. To get more details, we're joined by William Courtney of RAND corporation.

Tectonic shift in Geo-Politics: Russia's invasion pushes Finland, Sweden toward NATO

Russia's Ukraine invasion has sparked concerns in Finland. The Nordic country is preparing for a possible conflict with Russia. Its citizens are learning how to use a gun. the government is stockpiling essentials. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has created a sense of urgency among the other countries to strengthen their defence capabilities, especially in Europe.&nbsp;

For example, recent reports stated that Finland and Sweden are poised to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as soon as possible.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Times, US officials said that NATO membership for both Nordic countries was "a topic of conversation and multiple sessions" during talks between the alliance's foreign ministers of Sweden and Finland last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-boris-johnsons-visit-us-says-joe-biden-doesnt-currently-have-any-plans-to-travel-to-ukraine-470275">After Boris Johnson's visit, US says Joe Biden 'doesn't currently have any plans' to travel to Ukraine</a>

However, Russia has warned both nations about the potential bids. On Monday (April 11), the Kremlin said that the possible accession of Sweden and Finland to the NATO military alliance would not bring stability to Europe.&nbsp;

"We have repeatedly said that the alliance remains a tool geared towards confrontation … and its further expansion will not bring additional security to the European continent," news agency Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.&nbsp;

He made the remarks to the reporters during a conference call after he was asked about the possibility of Sweden and Finland joining NATO.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-india-not-violating-any-sanctions-by-importing-russian-oil-470364">US says India not violating any sanctions by importing Russian oil</a>

NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, has said it would be possible to allow Finland and Sweden in "quite quickly" but NATO has not commented on what a fast-track process would be.&nbsp;

Atlantic Council Senior Fellow, Rachel Rizzo said in case both the countries apply for membership, their accession would need to be agreed by all 30 allies.&nbsp;

“They work so closely with NATO in terms of exercises and in light of the Russian invasion, enhanced intelligence sharing that I do think that the relationship that NATO has already with Finland and Sweden means that there is a certain amount of protection that those two countries already have," she said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What Modi told Biden

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has created a sense of urgency among the other countries to strengthen their defence capabilities, especially in Europe. For example, recent reports stated that Finland and Sweden are poised to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as soon as possible.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has created a sense of urgency among the other countries to strengthen their defence capabilities, especially in Europe. For example, recent reports stated that Finland and Sweden are poised to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as soon as possible. As quoted by The Times, US officials said that NATO membership for both Nordic countries was "a topic of conversation and multiple sessions" during talks between the alliance's foreign ministers of Sweden and Finland last week. ALSO READ | After Boris Johnson's visit, US says Joe Biden 'doesn't currently have any plans' to travel to Ukraine However, Russia has warned both nations about the potential bids. On Monday (April 11), the Kremlin said that the possible accession of Sweden and Finland to the NATO military alliance would not bring stability to Europe. "We have repeatedly said that the alliance remains a tool geared towards confrontation … and its further expansion will not bring additional security to the European continent," news agency Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying. He made the remarks to the reporters during a conference call after he was asked about the possibility of Sweden and Finland joining NATO. ALSO READ | US says India not violating any sanctions by importing Russian oil NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, has said it would be possible to allow Finland and Sweden in "quite quickly" but NATO has not commented on what a fast-track process would be. Atlantic Council Senior Fellow, Rachel Rizzo said in case both the countries apply for membership, their accession would need to be agreed by all 30 allies. “They work so closely with NATO in terms of exercises and in light of the Russian invasion, enhanced intelligence sharing that I do think that the relationship that NATO has already with Finland and Sweden means that there is a certain amount of protection that those two countries already have," she said. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What Modi told Biden × (With inputs from agencies)

'Will not bring security to Europe': Russia warns Finland and Sweden against joining NATO

The ongoing war in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion is pushing neutral countries closer to NATO. Sweden and Finland are mulling joining NATO.

Ukraine war pushes neutral countries closer to NATO as Sweden, Finland mull joining NATO

In Pics - A perfect place for selfies. Sweden's 'Youseum', let's you be the art and the artist

A court in&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;on Friday sentenced a&nbsp;mother&nbsp;to six years in jail for allowing her&nbsp;son&nbsp;to&nbsp;fight&nbsp;for the Islamic State (IS) group as a child soldier in Syria.

The 49-year-old was convicted of &nbsp;aggravated of war crimes, violations of international law and for "not stopping her&nbsp;son, then aged 12 to 15, from being recruited and used as a child soldier for IS in the armed conflict in Syria," the Stockholm district court said in a statement.

The woman and her husband had been part of a "cult-like" Islamist environment and in April 2013 she brought her&nbsp;son&nbsp;to join his father and an older&nbsp;son&nbsp;in Syria.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/52-year-old-drunk-airline-pilot-removed-from-cockpit-of-flight-in-us-458917">&nbsp;52-year-old drunk airline pilot removed from cockpit of flight in US</a>

The court found that she must have understood that her&nbsp;son&nbsp;was used as a child soldier.

"She has not taken adequate steps to stop this, neither has she wanted to stop it, but his role as a child soldier had been in accordance with her convictions," the court said.

When she was charged in January, the prosecution authority said it was "the first time charges are being brought in&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;for the war crime of using a child soldier".

It also said that from August 2013 and to May of 2016 the boy allegedly&nbsp;took&nbsp;part "in hostilities performed by armed groups, including the terrorist organisation IS".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-lawmakers-vote-to-ban-abortions-after-15-weeks-458860">Florida lawmakers vote to ban abortions after 15 weeks</a>

The authority added that he died in 2017, without providing the cause of death.

Around 300 Swedes or Swedish residents, a quarter of whom are women, joined IS in Syria and Iraq, mostly in 2013 and 2014, according to the Sapo intelligence service.

Sweden&nbsp;did not have existing legislation at the time to prosecute people for membership in a terrorist organisation, so prosecutors instead sought other crimes with which to charge returnees.

A court in Sweden on Friday sentenced a mother to six years in jail for allowing her son to fight for the Islamic State (IS) group as a child soldier in Syria. The 49-year-old was convicted of aggravated of war crimes, violations of international law and for "not stopping her son, then aged 12 to 15, from being recruited and used as a child soldier for IS in the armed conflict in Syria," the Stockholm district court said in a statement.

A court in Sweden on Friday sentenced a mother to six years in jail for allowing her son to fight for the Islamic State (IS) group as a child soldier in Syria. The 49-year-old was convicted of aggravated of war crimes, violations of international law and for "not stopping her son, then aged 12 to 15, from being recruited and used as a child soldier for IS in the armed conflict in Syria," the Stockholm district court said in a statement. The woman and her husband had been part of a "cult-like" Islamist environment and in April 2013 she brought her son to join his father and an older son in Syria. Also read | 52-year-old drunk airline pilot removed from cockpit of flight in US The court found that she must have understood that her son was used as a child soldier. "She has not taken adequate steps to stop this, neither has she wanted to stop it, but his role as a child soldier had been in accordance with her convictions," the court said. When she was charged in January, the prosecution authority said it was "the first time charges are being brought in Sweden for the war crime of using a child soldier". It also said that from August 2013 and to May of 2016 the boy allegedly took part "in hostilities performed by armed groups, including the terrorist organisation IS". Also read | Florida lawmakers vote to ban abortions after 15 weeks The authority added that he died in 2017, without providing the cause of death. Around 300 Swedes or Swedish residents, a quarter of whom are women, joined IS in Syria and Iraq, mostly in 2013 and 2014, according to the Sapo intelligence service. Sweden did not have existing legislation at the time to prosecute people for membership in a terrorist organisation, so prosecutors instead sought other crimes with which to charge returnees.

Sweden jails mother who took son to fight for IS

Sweden's Sandra Naeslund won the women's ski cross final at the Beijing Games, taking home the gold after dominating from the start of Thursday's races, while Canada's Marielle Thompson claimed the silver after a nail-biting final race.

The 25-year old Swede exploded out of the gate in the final, bolting over the technical opening section of the race and opening a big lead ahead of the pack.

Naeslund, who came fourth in Pyeongchang four years ago, had started the day strongly, running her seeding round of the competition nearly two seconds ahead of the next fastest skier.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-indias-campaign-ends-as-sole-representative-mohammad-arif-khan-records-dnf-in-slalom-453679">Beijing Winter Olympics: India's campaign ends as Mohammad Arif Khan records DNF in slalom</a>

Thompson had to settle for the silver, while Daniela Maier of Germany won the bronze medal.

Switzerland's Fanny Smith, who claimed bronze at Pyeongchang 2018, crossed the line third in the final but was relegated to fourth for an infringement after a prolonged review of the race.

Workers used shovels to clear the course of fresh snow and flatten sections of it before redrawing the lines ahead of Thursday`s final races after heavy snow fell earlier in the day.

Sweden's Sandra Naeslund won the women's ski cross final at the Beijing Games, taking home the gold after dominating from the start of Thursday's races, while Canada's Marielle Thompson claimed the silver after a nail-biting final race.

Sweden's Sandra Naeslund won the women's ski cross final at the Beijing Games, taking home the gold after dominating from the start of Thursday's races, while Canada's Marielle Thompson claimed the silver after a nail-biting final race. The 25-year old Swede exploded out of the gate in the final, bolting over the technical opening section of the race and opening a big lead ahead of the pack. Naeslund, who came fourth in Pyeongchang four years ago, had started the day strongly, running her seeding round of the competition nearly two seconds ahead of the next fastest skier. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: India's campaign ends as Mohammad Arif Khan records DNF in slalom Thompson had to settle for the silver, while Daniela Maier of Germany won the bronze medal. Switzerland's Fanny Smith, who claimed bronze at Pyeongchang 2018, crossed the line third in the final but was relegated to fourth for an infringement after a prolonged review of the race. Workers used shovels to clear the course of fresh snow and flatten sections of it before redrawing the lines ahead of Thursday`s final races after heavy snow fell earlier in the day.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Sweden's Sandra Naeslund wins women's ski cross final, takes home gold

Humankind produces enough trash for it to be a problem for the entire planet. Sure we have methods to segregate waste and treat it according to its type to decide whether it should be recycled, reused or else. But not all of us are mindful enough about basic things such as putting trash in the bin. The habit to litter in public is often a cause for deteriorating public health, clogged drains and worse.

Cities all around the world have employed many ways to try to ensure that trash goes into the bin and is then collected for its treatment, but perhaps no city can boast that it is able to collect absolutely all the waste that is produced within its jurisdiction. Perhaps a novel approach is necessary.

Such steps are being taken in Sweden where a company is training crows to pick up cigarette butts from the street and dump them in bin s.

A video from Corvid Cleaning showed crows picking up training sticks and dropping them into a bin. In order to encourage crows to clean up more, peanuts are dispensed as a reward when they successfully pick up and dump cigarette butts.

But what if crows dump something else in the bin? Like a leaf or some such? In such a case the reward of peanuts is not dispensed.

"The bin will tell litter apart from other items such as stones and leaves and only reward litter. The birds take part as much or as little as they wish, and the only human involvement is to empty the bin and refill the food," read a description on the website of Corvid Cleaning.

According to their website, Corvid Cleaning is preparing a pilot project that would see the birds pick up "real litter" instead of litter set out specifically for them.

(With inputs from agencies)

Humankind produces enough trash for it to be a problem for the entire planet. Sure we have methods to segregate waste and treat it according to its type to decide whether it should be recycled, reused or else.

Humankind produces enough trash for it to be a problem for the entire planet. Sure we have methods to segregate waste and treat it according to its type to decide whether it should be recycled, reused or else. But not all of us are mindful enough about basic things such as putting trash in the bin. The habit to litter in public is often a cause for deteriorating public health, clogged drains and worse. Cities all around the world have employed many ways to try to ensure that trash goes into the bin and is then collected for its treatment, but perhaps no city can boast that it is able to collect absolutely all the waste that is produced within its jurisdiction. Perhaps a novel approach is necessary. Such steps are being taken in Sweden where a company is training crows to pick up cigarette butts from the street and dump them in bin s. A video from Corvid Cleaning showed crows picking up training sticks and dropping them into a bin. In order to encourage crows to clean up more, peanuts are dispensed as a reward when they successfully pick up and dump cigarette butts. But what if crows dump something else in the bin? Like a leaf or some such? In such a case the reward of peanuts is not dispensed. "The bin will tell litter apart from other items such as stones and leaves and only reward litter. The birds take part as much or as little as they wish, and the only human involvement is to empty the bin and refill the food," read a description on the website of Corvid Cleaning. According to their website, Corvid Cleaning is preparing a pilot project that would see the birds pick up "real litter" instead of litter set out specifically for them. (With inputs from agencies)

Will work for food: Company trains crows to pick up trash from streets

Sweden said Thursday it would lift most of its coronavirus restrictions on February 9 as the pandemic enters a "whole new phase" with the highly contagious but milder Omicron variant.

Among the domestic restrictions that will be lifted are the 11:00 pm closing for bars and restaurants, and limits on crowd numbers.

Vaccine passes for indoor events will no longer be required, and face masks will no longer be recommended on public transport at peak times.

"The pandemic is not over, but we are entering a whole new phase," Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told reporters.

"Knowledge about Omicron has improved... Several studies show Omicron leads to less serious illness." 
While Omicron has led to a record number of infections in the past month, hospitalisations for severe infections have not overwhelmed the healthcare system.

The country's Public Health Agency later in the day also said it was changing its testing recommendation, saying that there was no longer a need for the general public to get tested, even with symptoms.

"The testing capacity we have needs to be completely focused on the groups that really need testing," state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference, adding that resources should be focused on staff and patients within healthcare.

In addition, the Public Health Agency said it would formally petition the government to no longer designate Covid-19 as a public health threat.

"We now see that Covid-19 as a disease and a pandemic is completely different type of disease and pandemic than before, and therefore it is no longer reasonable to designate it as a threat to society," Tegnell said.

More than 83 percent of people over the age of 12 have had two doses, and almost 50 percent have received third doses. 
Swedish Health Minister Lena Hallengren said the government would remain "vigilant" about the pandemic's progress.

A return to working in person will resume gradually, as will university and higher education classes.

However, authorities recommended that people continue to stay home if they have Covid-19 symptoms, and border restrictions will remain in place for the time being.

Unvaccinated people are meanwhile advised to continue avoiding crowds after February 9.

Sweden made headlines early in the pandemic for choosing to not impose lockdowns.

With over 16,000 fatalities so far, its death toll is in line with the European average, but is far higher than those of neighbouring Norway, Finland and Denmark.

Denmark on Tuesday became the first European Union country to lift most of its domestic Covid-19 restrictions, followed later in the day by Norway.

Sweden said Thursday it would lift most of its coronavirus restrictions on February 9 as the pandemic enters a "whole new phase" with the highly contagious but milder Omicron variant.

Sweden said Thursday it would lift most of its coronavirus restrictions on February 9 as the pandemic enters a "whole new phase" with the highly contagious but milder Omicron variant. Among the domestic restrictions that will be lifted are the 11:00 pm closing for bars and restaurants, and limits on crowd numbers. Vaccine passes for indoor events will no longer be required, and face masks will no longer be recommended on public transport at peak times. "The pandemic is not over, but we are entering a whole new phase," Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told reporters. "Knowledge about Omicron has improved... Several studies show Omicron leads to less serious illness." While Omicron has led to a record number of infections in the past month, hospitalisations for severe infections have not overwhelmed the healthcare system. The country's Public Health Agency later in the day also said it was changing its testing recommendation, saying that there was no longer a need for the general public to get tested, even with symptoms. "The testing capacity we have needs to be completely focused on the groups that really need testing," state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference, adding that resources should be focused on staff and patients within healthcare. In addition, the Public Health Agency said it would formally petition the government to no longer designate Covid-19 as a public health threat. "We now see that Covid-19 as a disease and a pandemic is completely different type of disease and pandemic than before, and therefore it is no longer reasonable to designate it as a threat to society," Tegnell said. More than 83 percent of people over the age of 12 have had two doses, and almost 50 percent have received third doses. Swedish Health Minister Lena Hallengren said the government would remain "vigilant" about the pandemic's progress. A return to working in person will resume gradually, as will university and higher education classes. However, authorities recommended that people continue to stay home if they have Covid-19 symptoms, and border restrictions will remain in place for the time being. Unvaccinated people are meanwhile advised to continue avoiding crowds after February 9. Sweden made headlines early in the pandemic for choosing to not impose lockdowns. With over 16,000 fatalities so far, its death toll is in line with the European average, but is far higher than those of neighbouring Norway, Finland and Denmark. Denmark on Tuesday became the first European Union country to lift most of its domestic Covid-19 restrictions, followed later in the day by Norway.

Sweden to lift most Covid curbs on Feb 9

A project in Sweden is exploring using automated drones, the possibility of delivering electrocardiograms to patients faster than ambulances or other traditional emergency services, our next one gets you the details.

Drone helps save cardiac arrest patient in Sweden

Travelers to Sweden will no longer be required to show a negative COVID test before entering the country, the government said on Tuesday.

Sweden introduced rules for a recent negative COVID test on Dec. 28 last year in a bid to slow the spread of the more contagious Omicron variant. Since then, Sweden has repeatedly set new daily case records with Omicron now the totally dominant variant.

"Travelers are no longer considered to pose a particular risk of affecting the spread of Omicron in Sweden," the government said in a statement.

Sweden has recorded more than 20,000 new daily cases over the past few days, roughly double the previous record from earlier waves. The number of cases has put a strain on healthcare services but not to the same extent as before the vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Travelers to Sweden will no longer be required to show a negative COVID test before entering the country, the government said on Tuesday. Sweden introduced rules for a recent negative COVID test on Dec.

Travelers to Sweden will no longer be required to show a negative COVID test before entering the country, the government said on Tuesday. Sweden introduced rules for a recent negative COVID test on Dec. 28 last year in a bid to slow the spread of the more contagious Omicron variant. Since then, Sweden has repeatedly set new daily case records with Omicron now the totally dominant variant. "Travelers are no longer considered to pose a particular risk of affecting the spread of Omicron in Sweden," the government said in a statement. Sweden has recorded more than 20,000 new daily cases over the past few days, roughly double the previous record from earlier waves. The number of cases has put a strain on healthcare services but not to the same extent as before the vaccine rollout.

Sweden scraps demand for negative COVID test to enter country

Several European countries like Finland, Norway and Sweden are culling wolves in order to control their population. While hunters in Sweden have already shot 27 wolves, which is most of their annual target, Finland is to authorise the killing of 20 wolves as a part of its first “population management cull."

In Sweden, the 395 population estimates for the year 2020-21 have now come down to 300, says wildlife groups. Magnus Orrebrant, chair of an NGO said, "Sweden has promised the EU we should not go below 300 – that’s the bare minimum. We have informed the EU that 300 is way too low. We have habitat that could house more than 1,000 wolves.”

Norway, on the other hand, will kill about 60 per cent of its wolves this winter. In Norway, 5 per cent of the country is considered a wolf protection zone. Even after this, 25 wolves will be killed inside the protection zone this winter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-space-anaemia-research-tells-how-it-could-challenge-astronauts-during-space-missions-444941">Also read |&nbsp;What is space anaemia? Research tells how it could challenge astronauts during space missions</a>

Many conservation groups have appealed to the European Union to take action against this mass slaughter. Conservationists have accused these nations of creating a hostile environment for wolves in western Europe.&nbsp;

In a report by The Guardian, Siri Martinsen, chief executive of an animal rights group said, "Its a horrific situation. Norway’s wolf management is out of control and they are just shooting wolves because some people don’t like them. It is outrageous to hold a species at a critically endangered level.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Several European countries like Finland, Norway and Sweden are culling wolves in order to control their population. While hunters in Sweden have already shot 27 wolves, which is most of their annual target, Finland is to authorise the killing of 20 wolves as a part of its first “population management cull.

Several European countries like Finland, Norway and Sweden are culling wolves in order to control their population. While hunters in Sweden have already shot 27 wolves, which is most of their annual target, Finland is to authorise the killing of 20 wolves as a part of its first “population management cull." In Sweden, the 395 population estimates for the year 2020-21 have now come down to 300, says wildlife groups. Magnus Orrebrant, chair of an NGO said, "Sweden has promised the EU we should not go below 300 – that’s the bare minimum. We have informed the EU that 300 is way too low. We have habitat that could house more than 1,000 wolves.” Norway, on the other hand, will kill about 60 per cent of its wolves this winter. In Norway, 5 per cent of the country is considered a wolf protection zone. Even after this, 25 wolves will be killed inside the protection zone this winter. Also read | What is space anaemia? Research tells how it could challenge astronauts during space missions Many conservation groups have appealed to the European Union to take action against this mass slaughter. Conservationists have accused these nations of creating a hostile environment for wolves in western Europe. In a report by The Guardian, Siri Martinsen, chief executive of an animal rights group said, "Its a horrific situation. Norway’s wolf management is out of control and they are just shooting wolves because some people don’t like them. It is outrageous to hold a species at a critically endangered level.” (With inputs from agencies)

Several European nations are culling wolf population, here is why

The Swedish royals are among the latest victims of covid19, the Swedish royal courts confirmed that King Carl XVI Gustaf and his wife Queen Silvia have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Sweden: King Carl XVI Gustaf and his wife Queen Silvia have tested positive for the coronavirus

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