Sweden’s deputy prime minister Ebba Busch has called on the European Union to amend its clean-tech funding rules to help bankrupt battery cell maker Northvolt secure a new owner.
Speaking after a meeting with European Commission industry chief Stephane Sejourne in Brussels, Busch said the current funding criteria, which favor highly innovative projects over existing technologies, risk sidelining established companies like Northvolt—one of Sweden’s largest corporate failures and a key player in Europe’s efforts to build a competitive battery manufacturing industry against China.
“The EU must move from words to action and decide on that money this spring,” Busch said, stressing that such support is “crucial” for Northvolt to survive this challenging insolvency period. She warned that if the Commission continues to support only newcomers within the battery sector, the clean industrial deal on European soil could fall into China’s hands, as Europe remains heavily reliant on imported green technologies.
Northvolt, once seen as Europe’s best hope to rival Chinese battery makers, recently filed for bankruptcy in Sweden, upending the region’s ambitions for domestic battery production. Busch emphasized that revising the funding rules to include existing battery makers could help attract a new owner for Northvolt, providing a lifeline for the company and preserving Europe’s competitive edge in the clean-tech arena.
The European Commission, which last month announced a commitment of €6 billion for clean industries through the EU Innovation Fund, has yet to comment on whether its funding criteria might be expanded. The fund is currently earmarked for projects deemed highly innovative, leaving established companies like Northvolt ineligible despite their critical role in the regional supply chain.
As the debate over EU funding continues, industry analysts say that broadening access to these funds could be pivotal in sustaining Europe’s burgeoning clean technology sector and reducing dependency on imports from China.
Three people were killed in a shooting in central Uppsala on Tuesday, police confirmed, as the city began celebrations for Walpurgis Night.
Sweden, Lithuania, Norway and Finland are considering a coordinated acquisition of hundreds of CV90 infantry combat vehicles made by BAE Systems, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Tuesday.
Sweden announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine worth $1.6 billion to help Kyiv strengthen its position in peace talks. The package includes new equipment and financial donations for Ukraine's defense industry, with Sweden's total support since 2022 reaching 80 billion crowns.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated on Thursday that purchasing U.S. weapons does not pose a security risk for his country, but emphasized the need for Europe to reduce its reliance on American defense systems. His comments come amid growing discussions within Europe.
NHL stars, including Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson, will take the ice in Sweden as the Penguins and Predators face off in the Global Series at Avicii Arena on Nov. 14 and 16. Fans eager to see hockey’s biggest names, like Crosby and Connor McDavid, prompted the league’s international push
The Trump administration is reviewing possible changes to a Biden-era rule that restricts global access to advanced AI chips, including potentially scrapping the current system that divides countries into three tiers, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
China has renewed its call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and demanded that Israel cease its military operations in Lebanon and Syria, warning of escalating instability across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, even as missile strikes continue across the country.
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree renaming Volgograd International Airport as Stalingrad, invoking Soviet wartime memory as Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday invited global scientists to make Europe their new home, amid rising pressure on U.S. universities under the Trump administration.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 23rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
For three generations, the Liebigs built railcars in Görlitz. Now, the factory that shaped their lives will produce parts for battle tanks.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 40 dead, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
The Trump administration is reviewing possible changes to a Biden-era rule that restricts global access to advanced AI chips, including potentially scrapping the current system that divides countries into three tiers, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, even as missile strikes continue across the country.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday invited global scientists to make Europe their new home, amid rising pressure on U.S. universities under the Trump administration.
North Korea has conducted the first weapons test on its new “Choe Hyon-class” warship, firing cruise missiles, anti-air missiles, and artillery, state media reported on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that India is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing credible intelligence.
The Trump administration is reviewing possible changes to a Biden-era rule that restricts global access to advanced AI chips, including potentially scrapping the current system that divides countries into three tiers, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
China has renewed its call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and demanded that Israel cease its military operations in Lebanon and Syria, warning of escalating instability across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, even as missile strikes continue across the country.
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree renaming Volgograd International Airport as Stalingrad, invoking Soviet wartime memory as Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday invited global scientists to make Europe their new home, amid rising pressure on U.S. universities under the Trump administration.
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