Print Icon
 

Swe-Cham News Feed | November 11, 2025

     

The EU is on the ground at COP30, 

leading the way to a more sustainable future

The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will be held from 10-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, bringing parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.


Representing 27 Member States and more than 440 million citizens, a team of EU negotiators will be on the ground at the conference, pushing the international community to strive for bolder action to cut emissions and adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis.


Annika Markovic, Stockholm Environment Institute, is present in Belém, with an exciting itinerary focused on resilience, climate action, and sustainable transitions. On December 4, 2025, Annika will speak at our Sustainability & Innovation Summit!

   
   

2025 House of Representatives elections: Results and potential impact

On 29 October 2025, the Netherlands held parliamentary elections with a 78.4% turnout, slightly higher than in 2023. The vote came amid a fallen caretaker cabinet, slow policymaking, and low political trust. Campaigns focused on trust, leadership, and practical solutions rather than ideology, with voters increasingly choosing leaders over parties.


Key contenders included PVV, GroenLinks-PvdA, CDA, and D66, with D66 gaining momentum from both left- and right-leaning voters. Traditional parties like VVD faced challenges, while JA21 positioned itself as an alternative.


Swedish Chamber Member company IvCB hosted a post-election seminar, email info@ivcb.nl if you would like to recieive a copy of the presentation.

Torbjörn Lööf joins 

Inter IKEA Holding B.V. Supervisory Board

Torbjörn Lööf has been appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board of Inter IKEA Holding B.V., with his term commencing on 1 August 2025.


Torbjörn brings extensive board experience, currently serving as Chairman of AB Electrolux and Husqvarna AB, as well as a board member of Essity AB and AB Blåkläder. He also contributes as an advisory board member of the Re:arc Institute.


Torbjörn lives in Älmhult and has over 30 years of experience at IKEA, having held multiple leadership roles across the company’s value chain, including former CEO of Inter IKEA Systems in Delft.

   

Sifted — the leading media brand for the European startup community, backed by the Financial Times — has unveiled its inaugural 100 Women in Tech in Europe list, celebrating the industry’s rising stars. Among these outstanding innovators are eight Swedish women, recognized for their exceptional contributions to the tech landscape.


This prestigious list highlights 100 women whom the judges believe are driving meaningful impact in their respective fields and are most deserving of recognition this year.

From visionary founders and bold investors to pioneering operators and ecosystem builders, Sifted, Sistafund, and Station F proudly spotlight the women shaping the future of Europe’s tech ecosystem.


The importance of this celebration is undeniable: despite progress, female-founded companies still receive only 12% of venture funding, and women account for just 5% to 15% of angel and VC investors.

   
   
   

New Dutch Industrial Policy: Connecting Key Enabling Technologies with High-Growth Markets

Exciting news from the Netherlands! The government has unveiled a new industrial policy targeting six high-potential markets, aiming for industry to reach 15% of GDP by 2030 and joint R&D investment at 3% of GDP.


Where the Dutch and Swedish tech strategies align: AI and Digital Services – Driving productivity, societal solutions, and economic strength. Quantum Technologies – Enhancing security, resilience, and technological independence. Advanced Digital Tech – 6G and connectivity to boost productivity, safety, and competitiveness. Semiconductors – Strengthening Europe’s position through collaboration and expertise. Biotechnology – Leveraging health, medicine, and sustainable production via Swedish-Dutch collaboration.

Swe-Cham Member OATLY presents a report on the future of taste

The best aspect of predicting the future is that successes tend to be remembered while mistakes fade—unless, of course, predictions are documented and shared publicly.

In much of popular culture, forecasting trends is a notoriously challenging endeavour. Trends shift rapidly, move unpredictably, and often defy conventional logic. This is particularly evident in the food and beverage sector. 


At Oatly, the company relies on two key sources of insight: a network of world-renowned baristas and its collaboration with CultureLab, a cultural intelligence platform designed to objectively measure and interpret trends in popular culture.

   
   

Navigating Uncertainty:

Key Findings on the Dutch Business Climate

The PwC Netherlands Business Climate Heatmap 2025 and the Swedish Business Climate Survey 2025 offer a clear picture of the Dutch business environment. PwC’s analysis, spanning 2013 to 2024, shows a gradual decline since 2018, with challenges including tight labor markets, rising costs, and policy uncertainty. Swedish companies operating in the Netherlands report cautious optimism, noting regulatory complexity, talent shortages, and moderate GDP growth in 2025. 


Both reports highlight strong fundamentals in infrastructure, workforce skills, and international trade, while demographic pressures and unclear policies shape the outlook.

   
   

Government took part in 2025 Session of the Nordic Council in Stockholm

“The Nordics Together – Nordic Value and Cohesion in Troubled Times” was the central theme of discussions at the annual Session of the Nordic Council, held at Sweden’s Riksdag from 27–30 October.


Several ministers participated in the session, as well as in meetings convened alongside it. The government actively contributed to the 2025 Session of the Nordic Council in Stockholm.

Johan Rockström named Swede of the Year 2025

Johan Rockström has been named Swede of the Year for bringing international recognition to both himself and Sweden through his decades of work in environmental and climate research.


Since 1988, SVIV (Swedes Abroad) has presented the Swede of the Year Abroad Award to individuals who have excelled in their field, earning distinction and highlighting Sweden on the global stage. This year, the honour goes to Johan Rockström for his outstanding contributions to environmental and climate science.

   
   

Don’t miss your chance to be heard!
The Member Survey is still open for only two more days, and we want your perspective. 


Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help shape the future of our community. Your feedback truly matters as it guides how we grow and improve together.

Check your inbox and submit your response by tomorrowNovember 12.

     

Follow us on social media to stay updated on Swedish-Dutch business relations!

     
   

Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.