Regional Summary
The Hormuz Reflex America’s war with Iran has become a loyalty test that Europe’s governments are choosing, one after another, to fail — and the pattern reveals less about transatlantic solidarity than about a continent discovering that saying no to Washington is now cheaper than saying yes. Germany, Norway, Italy, Spain and Britain all declined or hedged on Donald Trump’s demand for naval support in the Strait of Hormuz this week. What’s remarkable is not the refusal but how little anguish accompanied it. From Berlin to Rome, leaders spoke not of alliance obligations but of mandates they lacked, goals they found unclear, and sovereignty they meant to protect. The result is a Europe that has quietly crossed a threshold: collective defiance of American military requests is no longer a crisis but a policy preference. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor, gave the sharpest version of this new stance. He rejected Mr Trump’s call for naval help, complained that America “did not consult us before this war,” and warned against “an eternal war with unclear goals.” Yet the refusal was not isolationist; it was competitive. Mr Merz told the Bundestag that Europe’s 450 million people should stop selling themselves “below value.” He then sent Boris Pistorius, his defence minister, to Tokyo, Singapore and Australia to build military ties with middle powers — a diplomatic tour that reads as a blueprint for a world in which Washington is one partner among several rather than the only one that matters. Britain shows what happens when a government lacks even that confidence. Mr Trump called Keir Starmer “no Winston Churchill,” shared comedy sketches mocking him, and questioned whether Britain remains “the Rolls-Royce of allies.” Borrowing costs hit their highest since 2008 and energy prices spiked. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, made the strongest case yet for economic reintegration with Europe, conceding that Brexit caused “deep damage.” Where Mr Merz’s Germany rejected American demands from a position of deliberate self-assertion, Mr Starmer’s Britain stumbled into estrangement with no clear plan for what comes next — caught between a Nigerian state visit, a constitutional crisis and a justice secretary proposing to abolish jury trials. Italy and Spain showed that even governments sympathetic to Washington can resist its pull when the domestic cost is clear. Giorgia Meloni called Hormuz intervention “a step toward involvement” Italy wished to avoid and kept her navy confined to the Red Sea. At home she lost a constitutional referendum on judicial reform by seven points, proof that Italian voters will tolerate her nationalism but not her power grab. In Madrid, Pedro Sánchez kept his opposition to the Iran campaign while hosting Volodymyr Zelensky to show that European solidarity need not mean American obedience. His own coalition nearly fractured when Sumar ministers boycotted a cabinet meeting over his war-response spending package. They relented only after last-minute concessions on housing — a reminder that in Spain the real threat to governing is not Washington but the coalition partner across the table. Across Scandinavia the same reflex took different forms. Norway’s rejection of the Hormuz request was serious enough to draw Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary-general, to Oslo on a damage-control visit. American officials were irked not merely by the refusal but by Oslo’s habit of building Nordic-Canadian defence channels that bypass Washington. Sweden’s Riksbank held rates steady, its governor citing “major uncertainty” from the Middle East. At the same time the Liberal party sealed a historic cooperation pact with the Sweden Democrats — a domestic realignment that may matter more for European politics than any single act of alliance defiance. In both countries the message was identical: the Iran war is America’s problem, and Europe’s task is to shield itself from the fallout. Europe’s governments are not breaking with the United States out of principle or conviction; they are doing so because the rewards have changed. When American wars no longer come with consultation, shared objectives or economic upside, alliance loyalty becomes a cost with no benefit. What emerged this week is not a coordinated European front but something potentially more durable: a series of independent calculations, made in Berlin, London, Rome, Madrid, Oslo and Stockholm, all arriving at the same answer. The old deal, in which Europe deferred to American military leadership in exchange for security guarantees and diplomatic weight, has not been formally rejected. It has simply stopped paying.Country Summaries
Germany
Germany rejected American demands for military support in the Middle East this week, with Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, declaring his government “would have advised against” the Iran war.
Mr Merz, Boris Pistorius, the defence minister, and Johann Wadephul, the foreign minister, all turned down Donald Trump’s call for German naval support in the Strait of Hormuz. Mr Merz said Germany lacked the required UN, EU, or NATO mandate and complained that America “did not consult us before this war.” He warned against an “eternal war with unclear goals.”
The rejection was part of a broader German push for European “self-confidence,” as Mr Merz put it. In a government address before the EU summit, he said Europe should no longer “sell ourselves below value” and must “use its strength” in international power politics. He noted that Europe’s 450 million people outnumber Americans by 100 million.
Mr Pistorius took the message to Asia, visiting Japan, Singapore, and Australia to build military ties and explore alternatives to American dependence. In Tokyo, he stressed the importance of “middle powers” maintaining the rules-based order and announced that 100 German soldiers would join Japan’s Keen Sword exercises in October. Both German and Japanese officials fretted about American troops being pulled from Asia to fight in the Middle East.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the president, joined the pushback during his tour of Central America, telling Panama’s president that “Latin America is nobody’s backyard” — a direct response to Mr Trump’s threats over the Panama Canal. He said Panama’s sovereignty “must be beyond question.”
At home, Mr Merz’s CDU party won 31% in Rheinland-Pfalz state elections, beating the SPD’s 25.9% and ending 35 years of Social Democratic rule. The CDU called the result “historic” and said it provided momentum for federal politics. The loss sparked calls for SPD leadership changes.
Yet even as his party gained ground, tensions persisted. Mr Steinmeier established Germany’s first “Day of Democracy History” and warned that “our freedom and democracy are threatened as they have not been for a long time — by democracy’s despisers within, by imperial great powers from without.” The president also triggered controversy by saying Ramadan “belongs to the religious life of our country” and has become “native to Germany,” drawing criticism from conservatives over Islamic integration.
Reports emerged that Mr Merz and Lars Klingbeil, the finance minister, have been meeting secretly for months to plan major reforms covering taxes, pensions, healthcare, and bureaucracy. The comprehensive package aims for a “liberation strike” of changes after the state election, with key decisions due by the end of April. But surveys show 69% of business leaders remain dissatisfied with the coalition’s work, up from 62% six months earlier. Only 13% of companies report feeling relief from government measures.
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- Steinmeier’s Ramadan comments spark controversy over Islamic traditions in Germany — Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s statement that Ramadan ‘belongs to the religious life of our country’ and has become a festival ‘native to Germany’ triggered backlash from conservatives who criticized the characterization of Islamic traditions as German traditions. (jungefreiheit.de)
- Merz criticizes Orbán’s blockade of Ukraine aid and threatens consequences — Friedrich Merz sharply criticized Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister, for blocking the 90 billion euro EU credit for Ukraine, calling it an act of ‘gross disloyalty.’ Mr Merz warned that Mr Orbán’s behaviour would have consequences that extend far beyond this single event. (tagesschau.de)
- Steinmeier succession speculation intensifies with focus on female candidates — Media speculation about Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s successor intensified, with particular focus on former Culture Minister Monika Grütters as a potential consensus candidate. Discussion centres on having the first female federal president after Mr Steinmeier’s term ends in 2027. (spiegel.de)
- Pistorius remains most popular politician despite SPD election losses — Boris Pistorius maintained his position as Germany’s most trusted politician in polling, even as his party suffered major losses. Surveys show he continues to lead rankings with 56 points, followed by Hendrik Wüst and Cem Özdemir. (n-tv.de)
Notes
Notes
Germany rejects US calls for military support in Strait of Hormuz during Iran war
February 27 – March 08, 2026
Merz delivers major government declaration calling for stronger EU self-confidence
February 27 – March 18, 2026
Pistorius conducts Asia-Pacific security tour to strengthen Indo-Pacific partnerships
February 27 – March 08, 2026
CDU defeats SPD in Rheinland-Pfalz state election, ending 35 years of Social Democratic rule
March 08, 2026
Steinmeier establishes first 'Day of Democracy History' and warns of threats to German democracy
February 27, 2026
Steinmeier's Ramadan comments spark controversy over Islamic traditions in Germany
February 27 – March 08, 2026
Merz criticizes Orbán's blockade of Ukraine aid and threatens consequences
February 27 – March 18, 2026
Other
United Kingdom
Donald Trump called Keir Starmer “no Winston Churchill” and shared Saturday Night Live sketches mocking the British prime minister’s reluctance to join America’s war with Iran. The public attack marks the sharpest break in the US-UK relationship in decades, forcing Britain to scramble for alternatives as crises mount.
The personal attacks mark a new low. Mr Trump suggested Britain is no longer “the Rolls-Royce of allies” and questioned the partnership’s value. Politicians in London are calling for King Charles to postpone his planned April state visit to Washington, though Mr Trump promised the monarch would visit “very shortly” with a “display of military might.”
Even as relations with Washington collapsed, Britain looked elsewhere. King Charles hosted Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president, for Nigeria’s first state visit to Britain in 37 years, signing migration deals and £746 million in trade partnerships. The ceremony showed Britain can still conduct normal diplomacy, just not with its most important ally.
The timing could not be worse. Britain is already under acute pressure from the Iran conflict, with borrowing costs hitting their highest level since 2008. Mr Starmer called an emergency meeting to address the economic fallout as energy prices spike and inflation threatens to return.
Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, made the most explicit case yet for economic reintegration with Europe. She admitted Brexit caused “deep damage” to the UK economy and called for a “deeper relationship” with the EU. Critics accused her of trying to reverse Brexit, but the economic pressure is forcing a strategic shift towards Brussels.
At home, institutional stress is mounting. David Lammy, the justice secretary, proposed replacing jury trials with judge-only hearings, provoking rare public pushback from Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, who warned of “grave security concerns.” When the head of the judiciary challenges government policy, it signals constitutional tensions beyond normal political disagreement.
Royal experts say the King appeared “weak, tired, and exhausted” with “swollen hands” in recent photos with Nigeria’s president. The monarch’s visible decline raises doubts about his ability to fulfil constitutional and diplomatic duties, including the controversial US visit.
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- US-UK relations strain over Iran war as Trump criticizes Starmer — President Trump has repeatedly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer as ‘no Winston Churchill’ over the UK’s reluctance to fully join the US war with Iran. The dispute has damaged the special relationship, with Trump sharing SNL UK sketches mocking Starmer’s perceived weakness. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin defended Starmer during a White House visit. (bbc.com)
- Rachel Reeves pushes closer EU alignment in major economic strategy speech — Chancellor Rachel Reeves used her Mais lecture to call for a ‘deeper relationship’ with the EU as part of her economic growth strategy. She admitted Brexit caused ‘deep damage’ to the UK economy and announced plans to give regional mayors control of tax revenues. Critics accused her of trying to reverse Brexit. (economist.com)
- King Charles hosts Nigeria’s first UK state visit in 37 years — King Charles welcomed Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president, to Windsor Castle for the first Nigerian state visit to the UK since 1989, and the first by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in almost a century. The visit included migration return agreements and strengthened bilateral ties. (bbc.com)
- King Charles continues royal duties amid health concerns and family tensions — King Charles has maintained an active schedule including opening England’s coastal path, DJing in Manchester, and hosting various events. However, experts have noted he appears pale and fragile in recent photos, while tensions continue over Prince Andrew’s scandals and calls for the King to take stronger action. (bbc.com)
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Other
France
Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally, declared his party’s “greatest breakthrough in history” after winning dozens of French municipalities, while allegations of presidential meddling in the Paris mayoral race exposed bitter infighting in French politics.
Bardella’s party captured towns including Carcassonne, Orange, and Liévin, though it failed to take major cities like Marseille and Toulon. The wins attracted heavy media coverage — 42 sources covered the story — as the far-right party expanded in small-town France. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Grégoire, the Socialist candidate for Paris mayor, accused Emmanuel Macron of intervening to help far-right candidate Sarah Knafo withdraw from the race to benefit conservative Rachida Dati. Mr Macron denied the allegations from Brussels, calling them “an unworthy lie.”
Mr Macron also dealt with alliance business. Donald Trump publicly rated the French president’s response to American requests for Strait of Hormuz security cooperation as “8 out of 10,” noting it was “not perfect but it’s France.” Mr Trump framed this as a test of alliance loyalty, expressing confidence that France would help coalition efforts in the Middle East.
Mr Macron announced a mediation mission between Dassault Aviation and Airbus to save the FCAS fighter jet programme. Disagreements between the companies have stalled the joint France-Germany-Spain warplane project.
Mr Macron announced that France’s next nuclear aircraft carrier will be named “France Libre,” after the wartime resistance movement. Patrick Pailloux, a former intelligence officer and cabinet director to Sébastien Lecornu, the defence minister, was appointed director general of armaments.
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- Macron announces new aircraft carrier will be named ‘France Libre’ — Emmanuel Macron visited Naval Group’s Loire-Atlantique facility on March 18 and announced that France’s next nuclear aircraft carrier will be called ‘France Libre,’ honoring the WWII resistance movement. The visit drew protests from about 100 demonstrators opposing the military project. (ouest-france.fr)
- Socialist Paris candidate accuses Macron of intervening in mayoral race — Emmanuel Grégoire, the Socialist candidate for Paris mayor, accused Emmanuel Macron of intervening to help far-right candidate Sarah Knafo withdraw from the race to benefit conservative Rachida Dati. Mr Macron denied the allegations from Brussels, calling them ‘an unworthy lie.’ (franceinfo.fr)
- Prime Minister Lecornu elected deputy mayor of Vernon amid municipal results — Sébastien Lecornu, the prime minister, was elected deputy mayor of Vernon with his list winning 60% in the first round. He announced he would renounce his municipal salary while serving in government. However, his cabinet director Philippe Gustin was defeated in his mayoral bid in Haute-Saône. (ouest-france.fr)
- Macron warns against party ‘arrangements with extremes’ after municipal first round — Emmanuel Macron criticized mainstream political parties for making ‘arrangements’ with extremist forces from both left and right after the first round of municipal elections. Speaking in the Council of Ministers, he warned that such alliances ‘remain dangerous for the Republic.’ (franceinfo.fr)
- Macron proposes nuclear umbrella for European allies — Emmanuel Macron outlined France’s nuclear doctrine expansion to provide deterrence coverage for European partners. Speaking at a nuclear submarine base in Brittany, he announced agreements with eight countries including Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands for ‘forward deterrence’ as part of European defense strategy. (ecfr.eu)
- New cabinet appointments and staff changes at Matignon — Sébastien Lecornu, the prime minister, made several new appointments to his cabinet, including Guillaume Bouyt as energy adviser. The changes come as the government prepares for post-municipal election challenges and a return to regular parliamentary business. (acteurspublics.fr)
Notes
Notes
Macron warns against party 'arrangements with extremes' after municipal first round
March 16–18, 2026
Other
Italy
Italian voters rejected Giorgia Meloni’s constitutional referendum on judicial reform this week by 53.5% to 46.5%, dismantling a key part of her plans to reshape Italy’s institutions.
Ms Meloni framed the referendum as a confidence test, campaigning across the country and appearing on rapper podcasts to reach younger voters. The defeat showed that Italy’s checks and balances work — the referendum acted as a brake on what critics saw as overreach. Turnout reached 58-59%.
The government proved it could respond to crises. The Council of Ministers approved emergency fuel tax cuts of 25 cents per litre for 20 days to keep diesel below €1.90 per litre amid energy price spikes from the Iran war. Ms Meloni also worked with Mette Frederiksen, Denmark’s prime minister, on a joint letter to EU partners warning that Europe ‘cannot risk’ a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis.
The coalition faces internal strains, visible at the funeral of Lega founder Umberto Bossi. Old-guard supporters booed Matteo Salvini, the party leader, with chants of ‘Take off the green shirt!’ and secessionist slogans including ‘Padania libera.’ Giancarlo Giorgetti had to intervene to quiet anti-Italian chants when state representatives were present. The outburst revealed fractures in Lega’s support base between its secessionist origins and Mr Salvini’s national-populist line.
Italy maintained its position on foreign policy. Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister, rejected American pressure to extend naval operations to the Strait of Hormuz, insisting Italy would stick to its defensive Red Sea mission while preferring diplomatic solutions. Ms Meloni called Hormuz intervention ‘a step toward involvement’ that Italy wanted to avoid. The stance showed how Rome provides alliance cooperation while keeping clear limits on military commitments.
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- Death of Lega founder Umberto Bossi sparks tensions at funeral — Umberto Bossi, founder of the Lega, died on March 19, 2026, at age 84. His funeral on March 22 at Pontida became a site of political tension, with old-guard Lega supporters booing current leader Matteo Salvini and chanting secessionist slogans. Prime Minister Meloni, President Mattarella, and other political leaders paid respects. (roma.corriere.it)
- Italy resists American pressure to patrol Hormuz Strait — As the Iran war intensified, Italy faced American pressure to expand naval missions to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Tajani said repeatedly that Italy would not take part militarily in Hormuz operations, preferring diplomatic solutions while keeping existing missions in the Red Sea. Meloni told EU leaders she understood Hungary’s position on Ukraine aid. (politico.eu)
- President Mattarella receives honorary doctorate in Salamanca, delivers speech on Europe — President Sergio Mattarella travelled to Salamanca, Spain, on March 18-19, 2026, to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Salamanca. In his lecture, he warned against “absolute sovereignty” and called for Europe to reject conflicts and instability. He was accompanied by Spanish King Felipe VI and made an informal coffee stop in the city centre. (repubblica.it)
- Tajani faces criticism for comparing drone warnings to disco fire — Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sparked controversy when he defended his advice to Italians about avoiding drones by comparing it to evacuating during a disco fire, referencing the Crans-Montana tragedy where 41 people died. The comments were widely criticised as insensitive, adding to a series of verbal blunders by the minister. (ilpost.it)
Notes
Notes
President Mattarella receives honorary doctorate in Salamanca, delivers speech on Europe
March 19–22, 2026
Tajani faces criticism for controversial comments comparing drone warnings to disco fire
March 19–21, 2026
Other
Spain
King Felipe became the first Spanish king to admit colonial abuses in the Americas, telling a museum audience there was ‘much abuse’ during Spanish colonisation and historical events that ‘cannot make us feel proud today.’ Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican president, welcomed the words and invited him to attend the World Cup.
The royal admission came as part of moves around Spain’s opposition to the Iran war. Hours before an EU Council summit on the conflict, Pedro Sánchez hosted Volodymyr Zelensky at Moncloa, where they signed agreements on defence, reconstruction and energy. Mr Zelensky also met congressional leaders and the king at Zarzuela. Mr Sánchez used the visit to show continued support for Ukraine while maintaining his opposition to American-Israeli operations against Iran.
Even as Spain managed its foreign ties, the governing coalition faced internal trouble. Sumar ministers refused to enter a Cabinet meeting for two hours, protesting disagreements with Mr Sánchez’s €5 billion package responding to the Iran war. They demanded housing measures be included. Mr Sánchez resolved the crisis only after last-minute negotiations in which he made concessions including a separate housing decree.
The main opposition party on the right is fragmenting. Several expelled Vox leaders, including García-Gallardo and Espinosa de los Monteros, attacked party leader Santiago Abascal, alleging financial wrongdoing including payments to his wife through party providers. Mr García-Gallardo accused Mr Abascal of converting Vox into ‘his personal golden goose’ while demanding an extraordinary party congress. The rebellion suggests a crisis within Spain’s primary far-right party.
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- Felipe VI attends Vatican audience with Pope Leo XIV and Formula E race in Madrid — King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia held their first official audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, followed by Felipe VI becoming protocanon of Santa María la Mayor basilica. The King also attended the first Formula E race held in Madrid at the Jarama circuit with Díaz Ayuso, the regional president. (revistavanityfair.es)
Notes
Notes
Felipe VI acknowledges 'abuse' in Spanish conquest of Americas, diplomatic opening with Mexico
March 16–18, 2026
Government coalition crisis as Sumar blocks Cabinet meeting over economic measures
March 19–21, 2026
Vox internal rebellion erupts with corruption accusations against Santiago Abascal
March 17–22, 2026
Other
Norway
Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary-general, made an extraordinary visit to Oslo this week to repair damage from Norway’s rejection of Donald Trump’s request for military help in the Strait of Hormuz.
The visit followed the refusal by Jonas Gahr Støre, the prime minister, to send Norwegian warships to the Gulf. Sources say Washington was angered not just by the rejection but by Norway’s pattern of going it alone, including its Nordic-Canadian cooperation that Americans saw as cutting out Washington and undermining US leadership. The friction required NATO intervention to prevent damage to the alliance.
Yet even as diplomats worked to smooth relations, Norway’s military cooperation with allies continued without friction. The Cold Response 2026 exercise concluded with 32,500 participants from 14 nations testing Arctic warfare tactics. Mr Rutte observed artillery demonstrations in northern Norway and praised alliance cooperation. The government gave the armed forces priority access to the national power grid, particularly for the new Ramsund submarine base.
Jens Stoltenberg, the finance minister, faced parliamentary pressure over rising fuel prices — petrol and diesel have jumped 4 kroner since January — and hinted at relief measures in future budget work. Mr Støre defended Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s television interview about her Jeffrey Epstein contacts as sincere and responsible. The Liberal Party announced it would not support Sylvi Listhaug, the Progress Party leader, as prime minister.
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- Prosecutors seek seven years prison for Crown Princess’s son Marius Borg Høiby — Norwegian prosecutors called for a seven year and seven month prison sentence for Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on charges including four alleged rapes and domestic violence. The case has damaged the Norwegian monarchy’s image. (aa.com.tr)
- Norwegian Intelligence Service conducted illegal testing operations — The Norwegian Intelligence Service (E-tjenesten) conducted unauthorized testing of surveillance systems in violation of legal requirements. Parliament’s oversight committee announced an investigation following VG’s revelations. (vg.no)
- Historical research debunks King Harold’s march to Battle of Hastings — New academic research from the University of East Anglia suggests King Harold II sailed rather than marched 200 miles to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The findings challenge a foundational narrative of English history taught in schools for centuries. (popsci.com)
- Foreign Minister Barth Eide holds trade discussions with Indian counterpart — Espen Barth Eide, the foreign minister, held virtual talks with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on WTO reforms and bilateral trade cooperation. The discussions emphasized Norway-India partnership and shared commitment to meaningful trade reforms. (newsable.asianetnews.com)
- Sylvi Listhaug criticizes various government policies — FrP leader Sylvi Listhaug made several critical statements about government policies, including calling hydrogen ferries a scandal, opposing IKEA parking requirements, and proposing use of closed refineries for fuel storage. She also addressed wage negotiations and defended against hate speech accusations. (nrk.no)
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Sweden
Simona Mohamsson, the Liberal leader, signed a cooperation agreement this week with Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, ending the Liberals’ ban on working with the far-right party. A hug between the two politicians sealed the deal.
Ms Mohamsson survived a party revolt to keep her job, winning re-election as Liberal leader by just 95 votes to 80 blanks and 8 abstentions. Resignations followed, including Jan Jönsson, who called the agreement “painful sorrow.” The deal changes Swedish politics: every mainstream right-wing party now accepts the Sweden Democrats as a legitimate coalition partner, clearing the way for Sweden Democrats cabinet posts after the September 2026 election.
Sweden advanced its NATO integration on schedule. Pål Jonson, the defence minister, announced that the Swedish-Finnish Forward Land Forces unit will be operational by July 2026, ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. Mr Jonson participated in the Cold Response 26 exercise, where Nordic defence ministers signed a declaration noting rapid implementation of the joint force.
Diplomatic tensions flared with Iran after it executed a Swedish citizen convicted of espionage. Maria Malmer Stenergard, the foreign minister, condemned what she called an inadequate legal process and sought urgent contact with her Iranian counterpart, but Iran refused. Sweden moved embassy personnel from Iran to Azerbaijan over deteriorating security. The government announced 65 million kronor in humanitarian aid for Lebanon because of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Riksbank held interest rates at 1.75 per cent, with Erik Thedéen, the governor, citing “major uncertainty” from the Middle East war affecting energy prices and inflation. He described the situation as “very serious” and said the bank could adjust policy if conditions change dramatically. The Constitutional Committee scheduled oversight hearings for March and April into government aid to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the Somalia migration agreement, and the previous government’s role in pension fund investments in Northvolt.
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- Ulf Kristersson’s EU summit activities and policy positions — Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister, attended the EU summit in Brussels, securing Sweden’s right to keep bottleneck fee revenues and criticising Hungary’s Viktor Orbán for blocking Ukraine aid. He also rejected Trump’s calls for NATO help in securing the Hormuz Strait and made various domestic policy statements. (aftonbladet.se)
- Iran executes Swedish citizen, prompting diplomatic crisis — Iran executed a Swedish citizen convicted of espionage, drawing sharp condemnation from Maria Malmer Stenergard, the foreign minister, who called the legal process inadequate. Sweden subsequently relocated embassy personnel from Iran to Azerbaijan due to deteriorating security. (reuters.com)
- Magdalena Andersson loses ground in voter confidence polls — Magdalena Andersson, the Social Democrat leader, saw her voter confidence decline significantly, with the gap to the prime minister narrowing to just four percentage points. The poll results show her position weakening as the leading opposition figure ahead of the September election. (svt.se)
Notes
Notes
Liberal Party opens door to Sweden Democrats in government after Mohamsson-Åkesson agreement
March 1–22, 2026
Other