IceNews

Icenews is an independent online news resource on Iceland, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Icenews publishes articles on current events, politics, entertainment, culture, travel and forthcoming events in Scandinavia and around Northern Europe.

Articles: 164

IceNews

25 Apr 2025, 07:17

Sweden orders online casino to pay 12 million Krona for violating excessive gambling rules

News

The online casino Videoslots has been ordered by Sweden’s Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, to pay 12 million Krona for failing to counteract excessive gambling. In addition, the Gambling Authority has warned Videoslots after the online casino breached Chapter 14, Section 1 of Sweden’s Gambling Act. The Gambling Authority has concluded that the online casino failed to take […] The post Sweden orders online casino to pay 12 million Krona for violating excessive gambling rules first appeared on IceNews - ...

IceNews

23 Apr 2025, 23:05

Queen Sonja of Norway discharged from hospital after breathing issues

Culture

Norway’s royal palace has announced that the country’s Queen Sonja has been discharged from hospital in Oslo after reported breathing issues. In a statement, the palace explains, “The Queen was admitted due to shortness of breath. Examinations show that the situation has normalized.” Queen Sonja, 87, was flown to hospital via helicopter from the monarchy’s […] The post Queen Sonja of Norway discharged from hospital after breathing issues first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

21 Apr 2025, 10:01

News

According to the Finnish Ministry of Interior, the Finnish government has reviewed its border crossing point with Russia, deciding to renew its decision to close the border on the eastern side of Finland. The Finnish government’s decision was based on information about the possible expansion of instrumentalized migration. The statement also emphasized that if instrumentalized […] The post Finnish government renews border closer with Russia first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

18 Apr 2025, 13:38

Key interest rates at Denmark’s central bank cut by 25 basis points

News

The key interest rates at Denmark's central bank have been cut by 25 basis points following the European Central Bank's reduction of its main monetary policy rate. As part of a statement, the bank explains, "The interest rate reduction is a consequence of the reduction by the European Central Bank of its main monetary policy […] The post Key interest rates at Denmark’s central bank cut by 25 basis points first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

16 Apr 2025, 19:51

Moose migration live stream in Sweden attracts millions of viewers

News

A live stream in Sweden by the public broadcaster SVT has attracted millions of viewers to capture the country’s moose migration in real-time. The stream, Den stora älgvandringen (translated to The Great Moose Migration) first aired in 2019, and from then on, every spring, millions of wildlife lovers tune in to capture a few hundred […] The post Moose migration live stream in Sweden attracts millions of viewers first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

13 Apr 2025, 12:40

Iceland cancels its whaling season for the second year in a row

News

Hvalur HF, Iceland’s largest whaling company, has announced that it’ll not be participating in the country’s whaling season for the second year in a row. Hvalur HF holds a permit to hunt 200 fin whales. However, the company has opted out due to the global economic situation. “Given the current economic situation, Hvalur HF sees […] The post Iceland cancels its whaling season for the second year in a row first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

10 Apr 2025, 11:42

New Greenlandic parliament meets to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump

News

On Monday 7th April, Greenland's new parliament met for the first time to discuss President Donald Trump's advances to make the country a part of the United States. Greenlandic President Jens-Frederik Nielsen called a meeting to align on political unity against external pressures and the challenges posed by Trump, a first since Nielsen was elected […] The post New Greenlandic parliament meets to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

07 Apr 2025, 09:14

Denmark acquires several hundred sea mines to increase country’s naval power

Politics

Denmark’s Navy has acquired several hundred sea mines to increase the naval power in Danish waters. Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Denmark explains, “The acquisition of several hundred sea mines strengthens our defenses in the inland Danish waters. This is crucial in the light of the current security situation, […] The post Denmark acquires several hundred sea mines to increase country’s naval power first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

04 Apr 2025, 08:30

Final coal power plant in Finland officially shuts down

News

Finland’s Salmisaari coal power plant in Helsinki has officially shut down, making it the final coal power plant in the country to close its doors. The Finnish government has lowered the country’s coal power to under 1% as part of its initiative to entirely phase out coal power by 2029 and instead rely on cleaner […] The post Final coal power plant in Finland officially shuts down first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

01 Apr 2025, 08:45

Volcano in Iceland: Grindavík evacuates as magma eruption begins

Earth

At roughly 6:30 am local time this morning, a magma eruption began at the Sundhnúk crater range on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of Iceland after a large swarm of earthquakes. According to a statement from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, GPS and pressure measurements show that magma flow has begun and that an eruption […] The post Volcano in Iceland: Grindavík evacuates as magma eruption begins first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

29 Mar 2025, 15:00

Sweden to increase spending for defense to 3.5% of GDP

Politics

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced that the country aims to increase its spending on defense to 3.5% of GDP by 2023. This announcement marks a faster ramp-up of defense spending than initially planned, making it the biggest rearmament since the Cold War. Speaking during a press conference, Kristersson explained that he believes that […] The post Sweden to increase spending for defense to 3.5% of GDP first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

26 Mar 2025, 12:20

Happiest country in the world: Finland takes the number one spot

News

According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Finland has taken the number one spot as the world's happiest country for the eighth year in a row. As part of the report, over 100,000 people were surveyed across 140 countries and territories. The survey ranks metrics based on social support, trust, and overall well-being. Miika Mäkitalo, […] The post Happiest country in the world: Finland takes the number one spot first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

24 Mar 2025, 12:15

Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir resigns as Iceland’s Minister of Education and Children’s Affairs

Politics

Thórsdóttir, Iceland's Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, has resigned after admitting to being in a relationship with a 16-year-old when she was 23, 36 years ago. Speaking with Icelandic media, Thórsdóttir admitted to being in a relationship with someone underage, even having a child with them during her stint as a counselor when she […] The post Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir resigns as Iceland’s Minister of Education and Children’s Affairs first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

21 Mar 2025, 07:54

Faroe Islands reaches 2025 fishing quota agreement with UK

News

The Faroe Islands has reached an agreement with the UK over its 2025 fishing quota, with the UK set to receive over 2,000 tonnes of fish from Faroese waters. According to the agreement, the UK will be allowed to fish for 880 tonnes of cod and haddock, 575 tonnes of saithe, redfish, bluefish, and other […] The post Faroe Islands reaches 2025 fishing quota agreement with UK first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

19 Mar 2025, 14:05

Iceland secures place at European Men’s Handball Championship 2026

Sport

After the country’s win over Greece, Iceland has secured its place at the European Men’s Handball Championship 2026. Iceland defeated Greece 33-21 at the Laugardalshöll arena in Reykjavik, marking the country’s fourteenth consecutive qualification for the Handball Championship. Players Janus Smárason and Andri Rúnarsson both scored four goals each, and goalkeeper Björgvin Gustavsson flaunted a save […] The post Iceland secures place at European Men’s Handball Championship 2026 first appeared on IceNews - Da...

IceNews

18 Mar 2025, 13:18

A New Book to Strengthen Icelandic Language Skills

News

Leitin að orðum – A Unique Resource for Icelandic Learners Kristín Guðmundsdóttir has released her sixth book for people of foreign origin, titled Leitin að orðum. The book is aimed at people who have a basic knowledge of Icelandic or are in the final stages of Icelandic learning, as well as teachers who want to strengthen the vocabulary of […] The post A New Book to Strengthen Icelandic Language Skills first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

17 Mar 2025, 08:59

Finland denies U.S.’ request for eggs to help resolve the country’s shortage

News

The Finnish Poultry Association has announced it has denied the U.S.' request for supplies of eggs from Finland to the North American country. Speaking to Yle, Veera Lehtilä, the Finnish Poultry Association's Executive Director, explained that exporting eggs to the U.S. is not possible at the moment due to the lack of market access negotiations […] The post Finland denies U.S.’ request for eggs to help resolve the country’s shortage first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

14 Mar 2025, 10:37

Digital approval system to automate heat pump subsidies launched in Denmark

News

A new digital approval system has been launched in Denmark by the Danish Energy Agency, which automates heat pump subsidies and is set to streamline the process of granting these subsidies. This new digital approval system will be able to automate most applications for Denmark’s heat pump subsidy program, with manual reviews expected for more […] The post Digital approval system to automate heat pump subsidies launched in Denmark first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

13 Mar 2025, 13:32

$Pipar\TBWA Retains Top Spot as Iceland’s Advertising Agency of the Year$

News

Pipar\TBWA has again been recognized as the Advertising Agency of the Year by ÍMARK, the Icelandic Marketing Association, marking their second consecutive win. This prestigious award, determined by votes from marketing directors across Iceland's business landscape, highlights the agency's consistent excellence and dedication to client success. The award celebrates Pipar\TBWA's strong performance over the past […] The post Pipar\TBWA Retains Top Spot as Iceland’s Advertising Agency of the Year first appeared...

IceNews

10 Mar 2025, 15:13

UN Women Calls on the World to Walk Backward to Reverse Setbacks in Gender Equality

News

With just five years left to meet the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, UN Women’s 2024 Gender Report paints a concerning picture: progress toward gender equality is moving too slowly or reversing. In response, UN Women has launched a bold new initiative urging people worldwide to take a step backward in solidarity. The "March Forward" […] The post UN Women Calls on the World to Walk Backward to Reverse Setbacks in Gender Equality first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

10 Mar 2025, 07:38

Iceland joins glacier research initiative to study ice loss

Science

Iceland has joined ICELINK, a glacier research initiative that aims to examine the impact of climate change on glaciers and their ice loss. ICELINK has recently secured €7.5 million in funding from the EU and includes scientists from the University of Iceland’s Department of Earth Sciences. Professor Guðfinna Aðalgeirsdóttir is leading the University’s efforts in the […] The post Iceland joins glacier research initiative to study ice loss first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

08 Mar 2025, 08:51

Sweden aims to be first country to eradicate cervical cancer

Health

The Swedish government has announced its aim to be the first country to eradicate cervical cancer through a widespread vaccination program. As part of this initiative, a targeted vaccination campaign has been launched, providing women born between 1994 and 1999 with free HPV shots, as the HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer. […] The post Sweden aims to be first country to eradicate cervical cancer first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

06 Mar 2025, 08:22

Greenland Prime Minister declares “Greenland is ours” after recent President Trump comments

Lifestyle

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, has declared that “Greenland is ours” after U.S. President Trump’s comments that the United States will acquire the territory “one way or another.” Speaking in a Facebook post in Danish and Greenlandic, Egede explained that Greenland’s citizens are not American nor Danish because they are Greenlandic and that the […] The post Greenland Prime Minister declares “Greenland is ours” after recent President Trump comments first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

04 Mar 2025, 11:09

First 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer launched in Finland

News

A new 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer has been launched in Finland as part of a collaboration between IQM Quantum Computers and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The project was first announced by Finland’s government in late 2020 with a commitment of 20.7 million Euros to build the quantum computer. The quantum computer project was […] The post First 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer launched in Finland first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

28 Feb 2025, 08:49

Development of Biodegradable fishing gear begins in Norway

News

Norwegian scientists have started developing biodegradable fishing gear to reduce the number of harmful microplastics in the ocean. Among the conventional fishing gear to be replaced by their biodegradable counterparts include nets, lines, and synthetic ropes, which can release harmful microplastics and endanger marine life. Conventional fishing gear that’s either lost or discarded is a […] The post Development of Biodegradable fishing gear begins in Norway first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

27 Feb 2025, 10:15

Finland and Greenland Resources sign long-term offtake agreement for production of molybdenum

News

Finland’s Outokumpu and Greenland Resources have signed a long-term offtake agreement for the production of the metal molybdenum. Greenland Resources explains that the offtake agreement positions the company with a “long-term strategy with sustainable and cost-competitive value-chain integration and facilitates access to capex.” Greenland Resources, a Canadian mining company, despite the name, is developing an […] The post Finland and Greenland Resources sign long-term offtake agreement for production of mo...

IceNews

25 Feb 2025, 09:21

New CO2-based road toll system to be implemented in Sweden

News

A new CO2-based road toll system will be implemented in Sweden, which will introduce additional charges based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions on top of existing Euro emission classifications. These new changes to the Eurovignette agreement will apply to heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes. Applicable vehicles are divided into five classes, with vehicles with […] The post New CO2-based road toll system to be implemented in Sweden first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

24 Feb 2025, 11:25

Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir named as Mayor of Reykjavík

Politics

It was announced on 21st February that the the vice chairman of the Social Democratic Alliance, Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir will be the Mayor of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. Speaking at a press conference at Reykjavík City Hall, Hilmisdóttir was announced as Major as part of the coalition between the leaders of the Social Democratic Party, the Pirate […] The post Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir named as Mayor of Reykjavík first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

20 Feb 2025, 15:00

Mandatory citizenship test to be introduced for applicants in Finland

News

According to Finland’s government, a mandatory citizenship test is to be introduced for applicants applying for Finnish citizenship. Finland’s Interior Ministry explained that the test would assess knowledge of Finnish society, values, and public safety, and be for applicants aged 18–64. Topics covered in the test will include fundamental rights, civic responsibilities, political and legal […] The post Mandatory citizenship test to be introduced for applicants in Finland first appeared on IceNews - Daily Ne...

IceNews

18 Feb 2025, 11:35

Denmark’s “ghetto law” constitutes as discrimination finds EU court senior adviser

News

A senior adviser to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has found that Denmark's "ghetto law" constitutes discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin. According to Danish law, neighborhoods that have more than 50% of residents from "non-western" backgrounds are labeled as a "ghetto," now rebranded as a "parallel society." The country's "ghetto law" allows […] The post Denmark’s “ghetto law” constitutes as discrimination finds EU court senior adviser first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

13 Feb 2025, 10:59

U.S. representative introduces new bill to rename Greenland as “Red, White, and Blueland”

Lifestyle

U.S. representative Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter has introduced a new bill authorizing President Trump to acquire Greenland and to rename the island as “Red, White, and Blueland”. The bill, titled the “Red, White, and Blueland Act of 2025”, authorizes President Trump to begin negotiations with Denmark for the purchase of Greenland, as well as […] The post U.S. representative introduces new bill to rename Greenland as “Red, White, and Blueland” first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.

IceNews

11 Feb 2025, 10:40

Immigration in Denmark: Number of refugees granted asylum hit “historically” low number during 2024

News

2024 saw a "historically" low number of refugees granted asylum in Denmark, explained the country's government. In 2024, Denmark granted asylum to 864 people, which was the lowest figure in 40 years, apart from 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown rules. Since gaining power in 2019, Denmark's Prime Minster, Mette Frederiksen, has strived for a 'zero […] The post Immigration in Denmark: Number of refugees granted asylum hit “historically” low number during 2024 first appeared on IceNews - Daily News.