Mathias Knutsson

August 24 marks Ukraine’s Independence Day – a date that should be filled with pride, joy, and celebration. Yet for the third year in a row, it comes under the shadow of war, destruction, and unimaginable loss. What should be a national holiday has become a reminder of how fragile freedom truly is. In the face of Russia’s aggression, the Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary courage and resilience. Their struggle is not just about defending their borders – it is about protecting the values that bind us together as Europeans and as part of the democratic world: the right to self-determination, human dignity, and peace. For us, Ukraine’s fight must never feel distant. Their struggle is ours. On this day, let us remind ourselves that freedom comes at a cost – and that solidarity is more than words. It is political, military, economic, and humanitarian support. It is standing firm when it matters most. Ukraine’s Independence Day is not only their celebration. It is a call to all of us ...

Every now and then, a book comes along that doesn’t just entertain but quietly settles into your heart, refusing to leave. Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin is one of those rare novels. By the sea, flowers bloom, a story that whispers soft— love, loss, and healing. 🌸🌊📖 At its center is Violette Toussaint, a cemetery keeper in a small French village. On the surface, her days are marked by routine and silence. But behind her calm presence lies a life shaped by both profound loss and unexpected love. Perrin masterfully weaves past and present together, slowly unveiling Violette’s story and revealing a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and renewal. What makes this book extraordinary is not only the story itself but also the language. Perrin’s prose is luminous – poetic, vivid, and filled with imagery that elevates everyday details into something almost sacred. A cup of coffee, a flower, a fleeting glance – all become symbols of life’s fragility and its quiet beauty. Reading Fresh ...

The past week has been both rewarding and inspiring for us in the InVästmanland project. Together with my colleague Julia, I had the privilege of visiting several of our participating municipalities – Västerås, Surahammar, Hallstahammar, Norberg, and Kungsör. In each municipality, we engaged in meaningful discussions about key future issues, ranging from strategic business development to strengthening the overall attractiveness of the region. We are convinced that it is in close dialogue with the municipalities that we can find the most impactful solutions to strengthen Västmanland’s long-term competitiveness. Another highlight this week was welcoming our new colleague, Elias Chabe, who joined us on Monday. Elias will work with strategic establishment issues, further enhancing our capacity to attract and facilitate new business investments in the region. This week also marked the beginning of our major autumn initiative, featuring a wide range of activities and efforts to strengthen gr...

 I have followed the situation in Sudan with growing concern for years. As a father, a citizen, and someone who believes deeply in justice and human dignity, it is impossible for me to ignore the escalating violence, the suffering of civilians, and the enormous humanitarian needs. Today, SvD highlights the urgency of the crisis once again. The people of Sudan deserve more than headlines—they deserve decisive action from the international community. Standing with Sudan means combining diplomacy, humanitarian support, and accountability to protect lives, support those displaced, and pave the way for lasting peace. Diplomatic Pressure and Engagement We must strengthen the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Sudan to protect civilians and secure humanitarian access. Governments that arm warring parties or ignore human rights violations need to be held accountable. At the same time, diplomatic engagement with actors who can influence the conflict is crucial to promoting peaceful soluti...