- Air France-KLM initiates proceedings to take a majority stake in SAS
- Volvo trucks France recognized as top employer in France
- IKEA’s Open-Air Library in Paris

Eco Bulletin Board
- Annika Stål new VP Europe at Business Sweden
- France leads Europe in Intangible Investment
- Sweden named the most innovative country in the EU

Insights from Brussels
- Newsletter flash from our member KREAB in Brussels

Culture
- Cinema en plain air: Bo Widerberg

Lors de cette conférence-débat, nous échangerons sur le lobbying européen et les avantages pour l’industrie de mener une stratégie d’influence au-delà des frontières nationales. La présence des institutions européennes à Bruxelles et leur rôle clé dans l’élaboration des législations et réglementations impactant les marchés européens et mondiaux conduisent chaque année des dizaines de milliers de représentants d’intérêts, entreprises, associations professionnelles, Organisations Non Gouvernementales (ONG) et autres groupes d’intérêt à influencer la prise de décision européenne. En tant que capitale du lobbying en Europe, et dans un contexte d’affaiblissement des gouvernements nationaux, Bruxelles est plus que jamais un hub incontournable où les entreprises doivent se faire connaître pour pousser leurs intérêts stratégiques.

Avec Hannalena Ivarsson, Associée, Responsable de la Practice “Industrial Sustainability”, Kreab Bruxelles, et Cécile Huck, Directrice, Practice “Industrial Sustainability”, Kreab Bruxelles.

We are pleased to invite you to the next edition of our Young Professionals Network series.

This time, we will be exploring the crucial topics of leadership and diversity with an exclusive guest: Johan Laurell, Country Retail Manager and CSO, IKEA France.

In today’s globalised and fast-evolving work environment, the ability to lead with inclusivity and purpose is more important than ever. Johan Laurell will share insights from his journey leading one of the world’s most iconic and value-driven brands, and how IKEA integrates diversity and inclusion into its leadership philosophy and everyday operations.

We are delighted to invite you to an inspiring afterwork at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France this November.

Our guest speaker Sabrina Pantier, Managing Director at Husqvarna France will share her personal journey and reflections on leadership, providing valuable insights on how to foster more inclusive practices in today’s professional world.

The evening will take place in a relaxed afterwork format, starting with networking, followed by the presentation, and ending with informal discussions over drinks.

The French-Swedish Business Day will be celebrating the Chamber’s 110th anniversary in 2025, a historic milestone testifying to the strong and sustainable relations between our countries and businesses. 2025 is also the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, signed at Cop21. This is an occasion to blend historical legacy with forward-thinking sustainability and business strategies for a competitive Europe.

The French-Swedish Business Day will take place in Paris on December 1st at the historic premises of Banque de Suède et de Paris, Place Vendôme.

Tickets for the conference only will be available online soon.

Gudrun Sjödén is opening a store in Paris – and looking for a Store Manager with a strong passion for colour, design and leadership.

The Swedish brand Gudrun Sjödén is opening its first store in France – right in the heart of Paris – and is now hiring a full-time Store Manager for the new location.

Gudrun Sjödén is known for its vibrant design, artistic expression and strong focus on sustainability. Their collections of clothing and home textiles, created with care in natural materials, are worn by women all over the world. This new Paris opening marks an exciting next step for the brand’s international journey.

Send in your application to sofie.ralin@gudrunsjoden.se +46765058014

On July 4, 2025, Air France–KLM announced the launch of a process to acquire a majority stake (60.5%) in SAS, up from its current 19.9%. The group plans to purchase shares from Castlelake and Lind Invest, SAS's current main shareholders.

This move strengthens Air France–KLM’s strategic position in Northern Europe and aligns with SAS’s future integration into the SkyTeam alliance. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Post-acquisition, SAS will become a subsidiary of Air France–KLM, with Denmark retaining a 26.4% stake. The transaction will be funded through cash and/or traditional bonds without affecting Air France–KLM’s financial targets.

Volvo Trucks France has been awarded 3rd place in the automotive sector in Capital Magazine’s annual ranking of the 500 Best Employers in France, conducted in partnership with Statista.

The award was officially received during the inauguration of the company’s new site in Compiègne and highlights Volvo Trucks’ strong focus on:

• Employee health, safety, and well-being

• Personal and professional development

• Internal and external sustainability initiatives

The recognition reflects Volvo Trucks' commitment to building a workplace culture rooted in trust, respect, and forward-thinking values, in line with the evolving expectations of the workforce.

Swedish freight company GN Transport has been active in France since 1989, specializing in transport and logistics solutions between Sweden and France. To meet growing demand and enhance service capabilities, GN Transport has opened a new terminal and logistics center in Lyon (Mions 69780). “We acquired the property in 2024 and it’s today a fully operational terminal for transports and warehousing” says Henrik Nilsson, CEO of GN Transport.

The facility spans over 2,000 m² and offers not only cross-docking and freight handling but also warehousing and logistics services tailored to customer needs. From Lyon, we coordinate daily shipments to and from Sweden – mainly via road but offer also rail solutions to deliver efficient and sustainable transport flows.

With close to 40 years of experience, GN Transport continues to be a dedicated logistics partner for companies operating between Sweden and France.

· New terminal & logistics center: Lyon (Mions 69780)

· 2,000+ m² for cross-docking, warehousing and logistics

· Daily transports between France and Sweden

This summer, IKEA created an open-air library in Paris, inviting passersby to exchange books: bring one you’ve enjoyed, and leave with another.

Among the titles available were works of Swedish literature – offering readers a chance to (re)discover some Nordic favorites.

Organized in partnership with Bibliothèques Sans Frontières and Le Livre de Poche.

Annika Stål appointed new Vice President Europe at Business Sweden

Annika Stål, previous Trade and Invest Commissioner to France, Head of Business Sweden France, has been appointed Vice President and Head of Region Europe at Business Sweden. She assumes her new role with immediate effect.

Annika Stål has been with Business Sweden since 2007, stationed in both Paris and Sydney. Over the years, she has played a key role in developing Business Sweden’s operations in France.

Emma Hemmingson has been appointed Acting Country Manager for Business Sweden in France.

According to the latest World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) report, France ranked 1st in Europe and 2nd globally for intangible investments in 2024 — totaling over $631 billion. These include R&D, software, data, branding, and other intellectual assets.

France also recorded the fastest growth among all major advanced economies in this category.

This strong performance is driven by the strength of public research, engineering excellence, and the dynamism of the French start-up ecosystem — including 2,600 deeptech companies working on tomorrow’s strategic technologies.

To accelerate this momentum, the #JeChoisisLaFrenchTech initiative encourages public and private actors to choose French digital and tech solutions.

On July 15th, the European Commission released its annual reports on innovation across the EU: the European Innovation Scoreboard and the Regional Innovation Scoreboard.

Here are some of the key highlights for Sweden:

Sweden has reclaimed its position as the EU’s top innovation performer, after being second to Denmark since 2023.

Stockholm is now the most innovative region in Europe. At the regional level, Sweden stands out as the only country with three regions in the European top ten.

Private sector investment in innovation is highlighted as one of Sweden’s greatest strengths.

Sweden is currently undergoing historic investments in its innovation ecosystem. Last autumn, the government presented one of the most comprehensive research and innovation policy bills in the country’s history. Today’s top ranking is a strong signal of confidence in Sweden’s innovation system — and clear proof that long-term investments pay off.

On 2 July, the European Commission proposed an amendment to the EU Climate Law, setting a target to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This initiative aims to reinforce Europe’s leadership in climate action, give long-term certainty to investors, and support innovation while enhancing industrial competitiveness and energy security.

The proposal outlines new measures to achieve the 2040 target, building on the EU’s existing 2030 goal of a 55% reduction. Key features include increased flexibility across sectors, a role for high-quality international credits up to 3% after 2036, and the integration of domestic removals in the EU Emissions Trading System. These steps are designed to ensure a cost-effective and socially fair transition, incorporating national specificities and simplicity in implementation.

Next steps

In the upcoming months, the proposal will be assessed, amended, and voted upon by the European Parliament and the Council. The estimated timeline for adoption is October 2025, ahead of the upcoming COP 30.

On 8 July, the European Commission unveiled its Action Plan for the Chemicals Industry, designed to boost competitiveness and innovation within the EU’s chemical sector. The Action Plan targets key challenges such as high energy costs, unfair global competition, and weak demand, while fostering investments in innovation and sustainability.

The Action Plan introduces measures to reinforce the sector’s resilience, including the creation of a Critical Chemical Alliance to safeguard essential production sites and address supply chain dependencies. It calls for swift EU trade defence actions and expanded monitoring of chemical imports, and aims to direct investment toward innovation and regional growth via coordinated EU and national projects.

To tackle energy costs and support decarbonisation, the Commission will implement the Affordable Energy Action Plan, introduce updated state aid rules, and promote the adoption of clean carbon sources such as hydrogen and recycled materials. A public consultation has been launched on advancing chemical recycling.

The Plan also focuses on stimulating demand for clean chemicals through fiscal incentives and tax measures, and outlines forthcoming initiatives such as the Industry Decarbonisation Accelerator Act and Circular Economy Act to enhance resource efficiency and promote sustainable alternatives. New Innovation and Substitution Hubs and Horizon Europe funding will accelerate the development of safer chemical substitutes.

In addition, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to minimising PFAS emissions and rolling out robust restrictions.

As part of the package, a sixth simplification omnibus was presented, aiming to reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for the chemicals sector, while a proposal to strengthen the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) was put forward.

Next Steps

In the upcoming months, the Action Plan will be implemented through ad hoc legislative proposals.

The European Union continues efforts to reach an agreement in principle with the United States ahead of the latest self-imposed deadline in ongoing trade negotiations. The Trump administration recently postponed its universal 30% tariff deadline from July to 1 August and is proposing a new arrangement

involving a 10 percent baseline tariff on imports, with partial relief available for certain sectors, such as aircraft and spirits. However, the proposal does not currently offer exemptions for key European industries, including cars, steel, aluminium, and pharmaceuticals.

The European Commission has maintained regular contact with U.S. counterparts, with both sides confirming recent constructive exchanges.

Reports indicate that the U.S. will categorise its trade partners based on perceived progress in negotiations. Countries with agreements in place may see further tariff relief, while those deemed to be negotiating in good faith may face universal tariffs, and those without sufficient progress could be subject to higher rates. The EU is awaiting formal communication from the U.S. to clarify its status within these categories.

Within the EU, there is a division of opinion regarding the negotiation strategy. Member States including Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Hungary favour an expedited agreement, provided it includes concessions on U.S. duties in strategic sectors. France and Spain have advocated for a firmer approach but have recently indicated flexibility if special provisions are granted for sensitive industries.

The EU has temporarily suspended its own initial package of countermeasures targeting approximately €20 billion of U.S. imports pending the outcome of the talks, with a more extensive set of measures under consideration if necessary.

Next Steps

In the upcoming weeks, the European Commission will persist in its negotiations with the U.S. with the aim of reaching an agreement. The outcome will determine further steps, including a possible 30% tariff on EU goods, should an agreement not be reached by 1 August.

On 1 July, Denmark assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The presidency has signalled a strategic focus under the motto “A strong Europe in a changing world.” The priorities for the Danish semester are security and economic competitiveness, reflecting the current challenges and opportunities facing the EU.

Security is highlighted as a foundational element for all other policy areas. The presidency underscores the importance of protecting EU citizens, upholding European values, and building future resilience, while reiterating NATO’s indispensable role and the EU’s efforts to enhance its collective defence readiness by 2030. Denmark’s contributions, particularly its military and financial support for Ukraine and innovation in defence procurement known as the 'Danish model', are cited as examples of active leadership in European security. The Danish presidency is expected to prioritise continued support for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans in EU enlargement processes, viewing such enlargement as a strategic investment in stability and peace.

On economic competitiveness, the presidency seeks to strengthen the single market, promote innovation, and simplify rules to boost prosperity and quality employment. Denmark’s experience in green transition and energy security is seen as an asset to drive Europe’s competitiveness and climate objectives ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil.

The presidency will also play a key role in advancing discussions on the EU’s 2028-2034 budget, ensuring it aligns with the Union’s ambitions in defence, competitiveness, and climate.

Next steps

In the next 6 months, the Denmark will represent the Council of the EU, set the agenda and lead negotiations on behalf of the Member States.

5 septembre - Cinéma en plein air : Bo Widerberg