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Johannes Vermeer Prize 2024 Awarded to Illustrator and Children’s Book Author Marit Törnqvist
News Release September 19, 2024 09:00   The Johannes Vermeer Prize 2024 has been awarded to illustrator and children's book author Marit Törnqvist. The jury, chaired by Marise Voskens, unanimously nominated her for the award. Törnqvist is honoured for her exceptional artistic ability to convey universal emotions through both language and illustrations, connecting deeply with the reader's experience. The Dutch State Prize for the Arts, established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW), will be presented on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague by Minister Eppo Bruins.   Universal Appeal As an illustrator and writer, Marit Törnqvist is a master at evoking universal emotions through words and images.   "Marit's work breathes a free and open way of thinking, social engagement, and a love for both the small and grand aspects of humanity. Seemingly simple, always recognizable and poignant, sometimes wistful, other times surreal, but always brilliant," according to the jury.   Children's and Youth Literature This is the first time the Johannes Vermeer Prize has been awarded to an artist who primarily focuses on children and youth. Dutch children's and youth literature has a strong national and international reputation. The books written and illustrated by Törnqvist have received prestigious awards and have been translated into many languages worldwide.   Exhibition A presentation showcasing the work of the prize-winner will be on display in the exhibition window of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. This exhibition space is located directly next to the entrance of the ministry at Rijnstraat 50 in The Hague and is freely accessible to the public. The presentation on Marit Törnqvist’s work will be available from November 4, 2024, until the end of April 2025.   About the Prize The Johannes Vermeer Prize is the Dutch state prize for the arts. The winner may use the accompanying €100,000 prize to fund a special project within their own field. The award is organized by the six national cultural funds and can be granted to artists working and/or residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands from all artistic disciplines. Previous recipients of the prize include Tania Kross, Arnon Grunberg, Natasja Kensmil, Rineke Dijkstra, Ivo van Hove, Janine Jansen, Iris van Herpen, Steve McQueen, Michel van der Aa, Irma Boom, Rem Koolhaas, Marlene Dumas, Erwin Olaf, Alex van Warmerdam, and Pierre Audi. This year's jury consists of Marise Voskens (chair), Ted Brandsen, Margot Dijkgraaf, Afaina de Jong, and Bas Kosters.   To read the full press release, click !
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The Swedish Government presents Budget Bill for 2025
Press Release September 2024 Stockholm, September 19, 2024   The Government presented the Budget Bill for 2025 to the Riksdag today. The fight against inflation has been won, and the Government is now shifting the focus of its economic policy: from fighting inflation to investing to build a more prosperous and safer Sweden. The Budget Bill includes reforms totalling SEK 60 billion, excluding military support to Ukraine, and is based on an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats. “Since the Government took office, the overall task of economic policy has been to fight inflation. We have now won that fight. Going forward, the task will be to ensure that high inflation does not return, and at the same time to implement reforms and investments that build a more prosperous, safer and more secure Sweden for generations to come. This budget is an important step in that direction,” says Minister for Finance Elisabeth Svantesson. Although the fight against inflation has been a success, challenges remain for the Swedish economy. Households, businesses and the welfare system have been hit hard by rising costs. At the same time, growth has stagnated and unemployment has risen. The Swedish economy also needs better conditions for growth in the long term. To build a more prosperous Sweden, the Government is prioritising reforms in three main areas: strengthening household purchasing power, reinstating the work-first principle and increasing growth. A growing economy is an important prerequisite for Sweden to be able to afford to become a safer and more secure place to live.   Strengthen household purchasing power Although inflation has decreased, it will take several years to restore household purchasing power. This is where policy needs to provide a boost. In the Bill, the Government continues to reduce the Swedish people’s tax burden through measures such as lower taxes on labour, pension, savings, enterprise and transport. The tax burden is expected to be at its lowest level since 1980. Re-institute the work-first principle The work-first principle is about opening doors rather than shackling people in social exclusion. Increasing the earned income tax credit is a key part of making it more worthwhile to work than to live on benefits. In its budget, the Government also takes aim at education, with measures such as enhanced support to individuals who are particularly detached from the labour market, increasing the number of places in vocational adult education and facilitating studies for people with disabilities. The Government is also investing in language training for parents born abroad who are at home with small children. Increase growth The Government’s growth agenda will focus on investments in research, infrastructure and electricity supply. This will build a more prosperous Sweden and help us implement the climate transition. In the budget, funds are set aside for historically large investments within the framework of the forthcoming infrastructure and research bills. The Government is also continuing its efforts to make it easier to operate a business in Sweden and is therefore taking measures aimed at remedying businesses’ skills shortage. The Government expects that the overall policy in the budget will result in reduced emissions and fulfilment of the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) commitments by 2030. Make Sweden safer and more secure Due to the international situation and war in our neighbourhood, and serious societal problems such as serious organised crime, we continue to need major investments in defence and the judicial system. In the budget, the Government continues its overhaul of criminal policy, specifically emphasising crime prevention and reinforcing the Swedish Police Authority and the Swedish Prison and Probation Service. Funds are also being set aside to strengthen defence in accordance with the Defence Commission’s decision. A more secure Sweden also needs a reliable welfare system. The Government is therefore prioritising structural reforms for good and accessible care and a strong knowledge-based school system.   Photo credits: Ninni Andersson/Regeringskansliet
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Gain Exclusive Insights with Christian Biller at the Swedish Chamber Branding Event, October 17
We are excited to welcome Christian Biller, Brand Strategist at the Swedish Institute, as a keynote speaker at the Swedish Chamber Branding Event, “Discover The Power Of Brand Sweden,” on October 17, 2024, hosted by Volvo Cars Nederland. With 15+ years of experience at the Swedish Institute, Christian has been involved in various strategic initiatives promoting Sweden. One of his key contributions is the "Pioneer the Possible" communication concept, which aims to enhance Sweden's export and investment promotion. Currently, Christian is part of the Unit for the Image of Sweden Analysis, with a focus on the business sector, Sweden’s overall brand strategy, and visual identity. Event Details: Date: October 17, 2024 Time: 15:30 – 18:30 Location: Volvo Cars Netherlands, Stationsweg 2, 4153 RD Beesd This is an exclusive opportunity for marketing and communication professionals to  participate in a transformative event showcasing Brand Sweden’s leverage in the marketing world. Secure your spot today and take your place amongst marketing leaders! Click to register.
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IN Amsterdam Webinar: Q&A Starting a business – October 9, 2024

Thinking of starting a business in the Netherlands? Join this free online information session hosted by the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK, Chamber of Commerce), Business.gov.nl and IN Amsterdam.

Find out how to start a business in the Netherlands, and get your questions answered by our experts. The Amsterdam Area has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and many newcomers are inspired to start their own business. To help you, the Kamer van Koophandel (Chamber of Commerce), Business.gov.nl, and IN Amsterdam have teamed up to offer free Q&A sessions in English.   What you’ll learn  The official process of starting a business in the Netherlands as an international resident, including immigration, legal, and business formalities. Answers to questions about issues like visas and permits, setting up, registration, taxes, VAT and duties (both import and export) and product safety.   Event details Date: October 9, 2024 Time: 14.00-15.00 Location: Online
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Swedish Chamber Hosts Key Members from Confederation of Swedish Enterprise to Discuss Sustainability and Innovation
On September 13, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host Marie Trogstam and Josephine Andersson from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. During their visit to the Netherlands, they met with board members Jan Terlouw, Director of Saab Netherlands and Head of the Swe-Cham Sustainability Committee; Jan B. Sundelin, Partner at Partinc and Head of the Swe-Cham Tech Committee; and Malin Alders, International Management Trainee at Swe-Cham. Marie and Josephine's visit was focused on gaining inspiration and exchanging experiences. They were particularly impressed by the Netherlands' approach to local sustainability development and its use of Dutch expertise. Following their meetings in The Hague, Marie and Josephine visited the Swedish Chamber to discuss the Chamber’s focus on sustainability and explore how Sweden and the Netherlands can collaborate to lead the green transition. The Swedish Chamber looks forward to building on this productive dialogue and staying connected.    
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Lex Keukens, Attorney at law / Partner at TeekensKarstens advocaten notarissen & TK Tech– speaker at Swe-Cham Tech Table October 1
We are honoured to introduce Lex Keukens, a distinguished expert in IP, IT, and privacy law and member of the Swedish Chamber Tech Committee, as our host and keynote speaker at the Swedish Chamber Tech Table – AI Forum on October 1, 2024 Lex Keukens specialises in the broad field of IP, IT and privacy. He advises and guides (inter)national companies, institutions and individuals with various issues in the field of trademark law, design law, copyright, patent law and trade name law. As a lawyer in intellectual property law, media and entertainment and privacy, Lex has a lot of experience in interpreting new technologies and then explaining them within the legal frameworks. He is part of the IP, IT and privacy expertise team and the Information, Communication and Technology sector team. He is also a valued member of the Swedish Chamber's Innovation & Tech Committee. Date: October 1, 2024 Time: 16:00 – 19:00 Venue: Edge Olympic, Fred. Roeskestraat 115, 1076 EE Amsterdam Don’t miss your chance to hear from Lex and network with the AI community! Click for more info and to sign up! The Tech Table – AI Forum is hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with our Member company TK.
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IN Amsterdam and the Volunteer Centre Amsterdam hosts Volunteer Café on October 3.
Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, want to expand your network, or learn more about local culture – volunteering is a great way to make that happen. Hosted by IN Amsterdam and the Volunteer Centre Amsterdam (VCA), a variety of local organisations will be at the Volunteer Café to talk about their work. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to discover a volunteering opportunity that suits your interests. The event is free of charge. Programme 
  • Welcome speech from IN Amsterdam
  • Pitches from local organisations working in areas such as the environment, animal welfare, social support and sports
  • Speed dating – participants will be divided into groups for conversations with organisation representatives
  • Networking
  • Closing
  Event details  Date: October 3, 2024 Time: 18.00-20.00 Venue: IN Amsterdam office, World Trade Center Amsterdam, Tower Two, ground floor (entrance via Zuidplein), Strawinskylaan 1767, 1077 XX Amsterdam   Click to sign up for the event!
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The Swedish Chamber welcomes Alexander Ljungström, chairperson of Young Professional, as Keynote Speakers at Tech Table: AI -Forum on n October 1.
We are thrilled to announce that Alexander Ljungström,  Founder and Managing Director of Einar & Partners and chairman of the Young Professionals, will be presenting at Tech Table – AI Forum on October 1, 2024 Alexander Ljungstrom is the managing director of Einar & Partners, a firm specialising in AI for IT Operations (AIOps). He has helped some of the leading enterprises in the EU develop their AI strategies from a process and policy perspective. With a helicopter view of the AI market, Alexander moves away from hype and buzzwords, instead focusing on making AI tangible with real use cases, practical advice, and sharing direct experiences from some of the largest global companies. Date: October 1, 2024 Time: 16:00 – 19:00 Venue: Edge Olympic, Fred. Roeskestraat 115, Amsterdam Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from Alexander Ljungström and connect with industry leaders. For more information and to secure your spot, click !
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