Euan Purchase
@euanspc.bsky.social
Scot 🏴 • Hill walker ⛰• Sometimes Swimmer 🏊♂️ • Often found talking about Nordics 🇩🇰🇸🇪🇳🇴🇫🇮🇮🇸🇫🇴🇦🇽 •
Finland joins French nuclear deterrence initiative
Finland joins French nuclear deterrence initiative
The goal is to prevent escalation, says Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
yle.fi
September 14, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Finland joins French nuclear deterrence initiative
Reposted by Euan Purchase
UPDATE –
Sweden general election
90% probability that the Red-Greens win the election by one seat, SVT projects
#val #riksdagsval #Sweden
www.svt.se/nyheter/inri...
Sweden general election
90% probability that the Red-Greens win the election by one seat, SVT projects
#val #riksdagsval #Sweden
www.svt.se/nyheter/inri...
SVT:s prognos: 90 procents sannolikhet – så slutar valet – Senaste nytt om valet 2026
Söndagen den 13 september 2026 är det val i Sverige och maktkampen är igång. Här kan du följa senaste nytt inom svensk politik
www.svt.se
September 13, 2026 at 11:32 PM
UPDATE –
Sweden general election
90% probability that the Red-Greens win the election by one seat, SVT projects
#val #riksdagsval #Sweden
www.svt.se/nyheter/inri...
Sweden general election
90% probability that the Red-Greens win the election by one seat, SVT projects
#val #riksdagsval #Sweden
www.svt.se/nyheter/inri...
Reposted by Euan Purchase
Once again asking why, in the year 2026, Scotland had an election for which every result was publicly "oooh, mystery box! secret! can't tell you what happened except at the overall constituency level!" and then most of our neighbours are just like "hello here's a livemap" www.svt.se/datajournali...
September 13, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Once again asking why, in the year 2026, Scotland had an election for which every result was publicly "oooh, mystery box! secret! can't tell you what happened except at the overall constituency level!" and then most of our neighbours are just like "hello here's a livemap" www.svt.se/datajournali...
SVT exit poll gives the win to the progressive coalition 🇸🇪
September 13, 2026 at 6:06 PM
SVT exit poll gives the win to the progressive coalition 🇸🇪
Yes this is a possibility, but it's the left coalition which leads in the polls. So why does the headline not mention that?
Sweden votes in tight election that could see far-right party enter government
Sweden votes in tight election that could see far-right party enter government
Swedish voters have headed to the polls in an election that could bring a far-right party into government for the first time.
news.sky.com
September 13, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Yes this is a possibility, but it's the left coalition which leads in the polls. So why does the headline not mention that?
Almost half of Swedes have voted in advance of election day
Sweden, national parliament election today:
Total early voting turnout
2014: 36.46%
2018: 38.84%
2022: 40.56%
2026: 45.56% (record high)
Valmyndigheten
➤ europeelects.eu/sweden
#Sweden
Total early voting turnout
2014: 36.46%
2018: 38.84%
2022: 40.56%
2026: 45.56% (record high)
Valmyndigheten
➤ europeelects.eu/sweden
#Sweden
September 13, 2026 at 9:13 AM
Almost half of Swedes have voted in advance of election day
Swedish election day. If polls right then progressive parties should eek out a win, but a very last minute shift towards the right has narrowed the gap. Interesting day to come.
September 12, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Swedish election day. If polls right then progressive parties should eek out a win, but a very last minute shift towards the right has narrowed the gap. Interesting day to come.
Putin the big winner
Polls have closed in Saxony-Anhalt and exit polls put result on a knife edge (AfD 41 seats, others 42). First projections based on actual results due out soon. But if exit polls are right this is a rupture in the history of the federal republic.
Germany, Infratest dimap exit poll:
Saxony-Anhalt regional parliament election
AfD (ESN): 44.5% (+23.5)
CDU (EPP): 18.5% (-18.5)
LINKE (LEFT): 9.5% (-1.5)
GRÜNE (Greens/EFA): 9% (+3)
SPD (S&D): 8%
...
+/- vs. last election
Fieldwork: 06 September 2026
➤ europeelects.eu/germany
Saxony-Anhalt regional parliament election
AfD (ESN): 44.5% (+23.5)
CDU (EPP): 18.5% (-18.5)
LINKE (LEFT): 9.5% (-1.5)
GRÜNE (Greens/EFA): 9% (+3)
SPD (S&D): 8%
...
+/- vs. last election
Fieldwork: 06 September 2026
➤ europeelects.eu/germany
September 6, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Putin the big winner
Unless a dramatic swing happens, next Sunday’s election in Sweden looks almost certain to put Magdalena Andersson as PM. Which would mean Social Democrat led govts in 4 of 5 Nordics. A contrast to the prevailing political winds in Germany, France etc.
Sweden, Verian poll:
18-29 y/o, national parliament election
S (S&D): 28% (+3)
M (EPP): 17% (-4)
V (LEFT): 17% (+6)
SD (ECR): 13% (-2)
MP (Greens/EFA): 12% (+6)
C (RE): 6% (-1)
KD (EPP): 3% (-3)
...
+/- vs. last election
Fieldwork: 03 August - 02 September 2026
➤ europeelects.eu/sweden
18-29 y/o, national parliament election
S (S&D): 28% (+3)
M (EPP): 17% (-4)
V (LEFT): 17% (+6)
SD (ECR): 13% (-2)
MP (Greens/EFA): 12% (+6)
C (RE): 6% (-1)
KD (EPP): 3% (-3)
...
+/- vs. last election
Fieldwork: 03 August - 02 September 2026
➤ europeelects.eu/sweden
September 6, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Unless a dramatic swing happens, next Sunday’s election in Sweden looks almost certain to put Magdalena Andersson as PM. Which would mean Social Democrat led govts in 4 of 5 Nordics. A contrast to the prevailing political winds in Germany, France etc.
And it's official - Iceland 🇮🇸 has voted No to restarting EU negotiations: 52.5% / 47.5%.
Status quo wins. Iceland of course remains in the EEA and EFTA.
Status quo wins. Iceland of course remains in the EEA and EFTA.
August 30, 2026 at 8:40 AM
And it's official - Iceland 🇮🇸 has voted No to restarting EU negotiations: 52.5% / 47.5%.
Status quo wins. Iceland of course remains in the EEA and EFTA.
Status quo wins. Iceland of course remains in the EEA and EFTA.
Counting nearing completion in Iceland’s EU negotiations referendum. It’s looking like a No vote.
August 30, 2026 at 6:39 AM
Counting nearing completion in Iceland’s EU negotiations referendum. It’s looking like a No vote.
Iceland 🇮🇸 votes today in a pivotal referendum on whether to restart negotiations with the EU for membership.
It's the first time Icelanders have voted on EU negotiations. Polls show a near 50-50 split, so impossible to predict.
If Yes today, a 2nd referendum would follow the negotiations.
It's the first time Icelanders have voted on EU negotiations. Polls show a near 50-50 split, so impossible to predict.
If Yes today, a 2nd referendum would follow the negotiations.
August 29, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Iceland 🇮🇸 votes today in a pivotal referendum on whether to restart negotiations with the EU for membership.
It's the first time Icelanders have voted on EU negotiations. Polls show a near 50-50 split, so impossible to predict.
If Yes today, a 2nd referendum would follow the negotiations.
It's the first time Icelanders have voted on EU negotiations. Polls show a near 50-50 split, so impossible to predict.
If Yes today, a 2nd referendum would follow the negotiations.
This is less about the EU's position and more about Norway's domestic politics.
Norway will drill in Arctic regardless of EU's position, says energy minister
Norway will continue developing its oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea regardless of the European Union's support for a moratorium on Arctic hydrocarbon supplies, and no longer sees itself as E...
www.reuters.com
August 25, 2026 at 6:03 AM
This is less about the EU's position and more about Norway's domestic politics.
Finland wants to restore its peatlands to help the environment. And to slow Russian tanks.
Finland wants to restore its peatlands to help the environment. And to slow Russian tanks.
The Nordic country has identified 180,000 hectares of wetlands that, if restored, could benefit not only the climate and biodiversity but also national defense. While the military supports the plan, s...
www.lemonde.fr
August 14, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Finland wants to restore its peatlands to help the environment. And to slow Russian tanks.
Record half-year return for the oil fund
Record high krone return in the first half of the year | Norges Bank Investment Management
www.nbim.no
August 12, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Record half-year return for the oil fund
"I was really struck by how much the Finnish education seemed to be focused on raising competent citizens, rather than teaching children academic subjects."
Finland Tries to Protect Children Against Deepfakes, With Russia in Mind
Finland Tries to Protect Children Against Deepfakes, With Russia in Mind
Finland Tries to Protect Children Against Deepfakes, With Russia in Mind (Gift Article)
Finland, wary of misinformation from Moscow and beyond, has a leg up on other nations in spotting fake news. But A.I. is a whole new challenge.
www.nytimes.com
August 11, 2026 at 4:53 PM
"I was really struck by how much the Finnish education seemed to be focused on raising competent citizens, rather than teaching children academic subjects."
Finland Tries to Protect Children Against Deepfakes, With Russia in Mind
Finland Tries to Protect Children Against Deepfakes, With Russia in Mind
65.9% no for EU membership in new poll in Norway
Dette sier nordmenn om EU nå
Mens ja-folket håper på et Island-sug, går TV 2s ferske EU-måling motsatt vei. Sp-politiker Geir Pollestad mener fotball-VM har hjulpet nei-siden.
www.tv2.no
August 11, 2026 at 4:23 PM
65.9% no for EU membership in new poll in Norway
Italy suspending Schengen is just virtue signalling. Kinda ironic.
Italy has suspended the Schengen free movement with Spain following the Ceuta event.
July 31, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Italy suspending Schengen is just virtue signalling. Kinda ironic.
A real catastrophe in Drammen yesterday that demonstrates the climate crisis is here now, not something in the far away future.
Over 100 homes destroyed and many hundreds of people evacuated. This isn’t California, it’s Norway.
Over 100 homes destroyed and many hundreds of people evacuated. This isn’t California, it’s Norway.
Helicopters dump water as huge Norway fire destroys homes
The blaze has destroyed more than 100 homes in Drammen and has spread to a nearby forest, authorities say.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 18, 2026 at 8:12 AM
A real catastrophe in Drammen yesterday that demonstrates the climate crisis is here now, not something in the far away future.
Over 100 homes destroyed and many hundreds of people evacuated. This isn’t California, it’s Norway.
Over 100 homes destroyed and many hundreds of people evacuated. This isn’t California, it’s Norway.
A former PM of Norway (who twice campaigned against EU membership) has stated his mind has changed and believes Norway should copy Iceland with a two-stage referendum process starting next year.
Worth saying that polls in Norway are still against membership & a referendum not likely soon.
Worth saying that polls in Norway are still against membership & a referendum not likely soon.
EU-bombe: Krever folkeavstemning neste år
Kjell Magne Bondevik har snudd om EU, og mener det haster for Norge.
www.nettavisen.no
July 14, 2026 at 10:48 AM
A former PM of Norway (who twice campaigned against EU membership) has stated his mind has changed and believes Norway should copy Iceland with a two-stage referendum process starting next year.
Worth saying that polls in Norway are still against membership & a referendum not likely soon.
Worth saying that polls in Norway are still against membership & a referendum not likely soon.
Economist Intelligence Unit's Most Liveable Cities for 2026:
1. Copenhagen (for second year in a row)
2. Vienna
3. Melbourne
4. Sydney
5. Zurich
6. Geneva
7. Osaka
8. Adelaide
9. Vancouver
10. Tokyo
1. Copenhagen (for second year in a row)
2. Vienna
3. Melbourne
4. Sydney
5. Zurich
6. Geneva
7. Osaka
8. Adelaide
9. Vancouver
10. Tokyo
What it's like to live in the world's most liveable cities in 2026
The latest Global Liveability Index ranks the world's top cities. We asked residents what makes them such enjoyable places to call home.
bbc.com
July 7, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Economist Intelligence Unit's Most Liveable Cities for 2026:
1. Copenhagen (for second year in a row)
2. Vienna
3. Melbourne
4. Sydney
5. Zurich
6. Geneva
7. Osaka
8. Adelaide
9. Vancouver
10. Tokyo
1. Copenhagen (for second year in a row)
2. Vienna
3. Melbourne
4. Sydney
5. Zurich
6. Geneva
7. Osaka
8. Adelaide
9. Vancouver
10. Tokyo
The obvious question here is, who can you hit by locating nukes in Finland who you couldn’t already hit? What capability does it add to Finland’s already strong defence? I’m no expert, but my guess answer to both is probably ‘not much’.
Finland Lifts a Nuclear Weapons Ban, Eyeing an Uncertain World
www.nytimes.com
June 18, 2026 at 6:56 AM
The obvious question here is, who can you hit by locating nukes in Finland who you couldn’t already hit? What capability does it add to Finland’s already strong defence? I’m no expert, but my guess answer to both is probably ‘not much’.
Reposted by Euan Purchase
I'm quite happy to fully endorse each of Allan's calls for reform here. Each of them would significantly improve the quality of Scottish democracy and the manner in which our elections are reported.
I've written to Jamie Hepburn MSP, the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans (who is responsible for devolved elections), calling for several reforms: replacing deposits, improving Holyrood results publication, co-option for council vacancies, and improving quality of local election data.
ballotbox.scot
June 6, 2026 at 1:09 PM
I'm quite happy to fully endorse each of Allan's calls for reform here. Each of them would significantly improve the quality of Scottish democracy and the manner in which our elections are reported.
Reposted by Euan Purchase
The new Danish government on regulating big tech:
Denmark will lead in EU on tougher tech regulation including
1️⃣ a ban on additive designs,
2️⃣ an age limit for social media, and
3️⃣ increased taxes for tech companies operating on the European market.
Denmark will lead in EU on tougher tech regulation including
1️⃣ a ban on additive designs,
2️⃣ an age limit for social media, and
3️⃣ increased taxes for tech companies operating on the European market.
June 2, 2026 at 6:29 PM
The new Danish government on regulating big tech:
Denmark will lead in EU on tougher tech regulation including
1️⃣ a ban on additive designs,
2️⃣ an age limit for social media, and
3️⃣ increased taxes for tech companies operating on the European market.
Denmark will lead in EU on tougher tech regulation including
1️⃣ a ban on additive designs,
2️⃣ an age limit for social media, and
3️⃣ increased taxes for tech companies operating on the European market.
Reposted by Euan Purchase
Denmark has a new government, but before the programme is announced, how much do we know?
On mobility, one thing is clear: Public transport will be free for young persons (under 22), just like in Scotland.
A new report on the effects of the Scottish scheme indicates substantial gains for society.
On mobility, one thing is clear: Public transport will be free for young persons (under 22), just like in Scotland.
A new report on the effects of the Scottish scheme indicates substantial gains for society.
June 2, 2026 at 8:58 AM
Denmark has a new government, but before the programme is announced, how much do we know?
On mobility, one thing is clear: Public transport will be free for young persons (under 22), just like in Scotland.
A new report on the effects of the Scottish scheme indicates substantial gains for society.
On mobility, one thing is clear: Public transport will be free for young persons (under 22), just like in Scotland.
A new report on the effects of the Scottish scheme indicates substantial gains for society.