Swedish News:

Critical validation for Swedish company. Swedish experts warn: Everything in moderation, even sun exposure. Sweden's government announces its EU priorities.

Daniel Ek, founder of Spotify. Photo: Patrik Ragnarsson
Critical validation for Swedish company
Spotify hit the 30 million mark, Swedish CEO Daniel Ek announced on March 21. That’s 30 million subscribers around the world who pay for their on-demand streaming music — that’s 10 million more than just nine months ago when Apple Music hit the market. Apparently increased competition hasn’t been a detriment to Spotify’s growth thus far, but the music streaming industry is still young. Spotify's numbers and recent iOS charts show that streaming music is becoming one of the most lucrative businesses on mobile devices. According to theverge.com, Spotify is the biggest game in on-demand streaming, and it doesn't look like that's going to change anytime soon.
Sweden in the EU. Photo riksdagen.se
Everything in moderation, even exposure to sun
The longstanding popular understanding that slathering on sunscreen will prevent sun damage has been under scrutiny. A team of experienced cancer researchers at the University of Lund has found sunscreen won't protect against some skin cancers, such as melanoma. “Since the 1980s we have made checks and trials in melanoma patients. We do not see that sunscreen protects against melanoma. A couple studies even showed an increased risk with sunscreen,” says Hakan Olsson, professor and head of the Unit of Cancer Epidemiology. This is likely because when people use sunscreen, they believe they can be out in the sun longer — actually increasing their risk. The number of cases of aggressive skin cancer increases five percent every year, and according to recent reports, Swedes are among the most ardent sun worshippers in Europe. The best protection against the sun is clothing or a hat, says Olsson. However, it is important to get a good balance of natural sunlight — moderation is best: “You get vitamin D more effectively than if you take it as a tablet,” he adds. Benefits can also mean fewer blood clots, less diabetes and less cardiovascular disease. He recommends people need only about 30 minutes of direct sunshine at midday.
Cancer research shows sunscreen doesn't necessarily prevent some skin cancers - if you'll be in the sun longer than 30 minutes, wear sunscreen but also cover up and wear a hat. (But don't avoid the sun altogether, as it helps create vitamin D, an important vitamin.)
Sweden's government announces its EU priorities
In its EU-related work in 2016, the Swedish government has identified three areas which it is giving special priority: creating an economy that is sustainable in the long term with more jobs — by working for a strong social Europe with more people in the labor market; combating climate change and creating a sustainable future — by working within the EU for an effective climate and energy policy, ambitious environmental policy and a resource-efficient society; and, managing the challenges associated with the refugee crisis — by creating a functioning common asylum system within the EU, increasing support to countries that are taking on considerable responsibility for the refugee situation, and working for a community characterized by democracy, stability and economic development.
Daniel Ek, founder of Spotify. Photo: Patrik Ragnarsson