Stockholm, May 30(Greenpost)–2016 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Ceremony was held in the famous Stockholm Concert Hall. Laureate Meg Rosoff from America received her award. This was the host of the ceremony. Filmed by Xuefei Chen Axelsson.
Category Archives: culture
Video: ALMA ceremony held in Stockholm (4)
Stockholm, May 30(Greenpost)–2016 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Ceremony was held in the famous Stockholm Concert Hall. Laureate Meg Rosoff from America received her award. This was the host of the ceremony. Filmed by Xuefei Chen Axelsson.
Video: ALMA ceremony held in Stockholm (3)
Stockholm, May 30(Greenpost)–2016 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Ceremony was held in the famous Stockholm Concert Hall. Laureate Meg Rosoff from America received her award. This was the host of the ceremony. Filmed by Xuefei Chen Axelsson.
Video: 2016 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Ceremony held in Stockholm (16)
Stockholm, May 30(Greenpost)–2016 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Ceremony was held in the famous Stockholm Concert Hall. Laureate Meg Rosoff from America received her award. This was the host of the ceremony. Filmed by Xuefei Chen Axelsson.
Video: ALMA ceremony in Stockholm (1)
Stockholm, May 30(Greenpost)–2016 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Ceremony was held in the famous Stockholm Concert Hall. Laureate Meg Rosoff from America received her award. This was the band performed during the ceremony. Filmed by Xuefei Chen Axelsson
American Writer Meg Rosoff receives her Astrid Lindgren Award
By Xuefei Chen Axelsson
Stockholm, May 30(Greenpost)–American Writer Meg Rosoff on Monday received her Astrid Lingren Award from the hands of Alice Bah Kuhnke, Minister for Culture and Democracy.
Meg Rosoff, Alice Bah Kuhnke , Photo by Xuefei Chen Axelsson
Meg was interviewed by the host. Photo by Xuefei Chen Axelsson.
The host(right ) wears a pair of red stockings to imitate Pippi, a charactor created by Astrid Lindgren. Pippi is always against the traditional thinking. As a girl, she is strong enough to deal with thieves and she has never worried about money. She is never afraid and she has a lot of ideas and innovations.
Cultural Minister Alice Bah spoke at the awarding ceremony.
Photo: Chinese in Sweden celebrates Dragon Boat Festival
STOCKHOLM, June 3(Greenpost)–Chinese in Sweden has celebrated the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival with grand performances. The festival will fall on June 9th according to Chinese lunar calendar.
Wujing and Eva Nilsson.
Sweden China Cultural Association
Nico, Xing Weitao, Wu Yifei from China-Europe Cultural Association
Russian National Association in Sweden
Greek Cultural Association
De Mulan Gustafsson
Zhou Hong and Chen Pengpeng
Sweden China Cultural Association
Wang Shuyu.
Swedish Chinese Cultural Exchange Association
Zhang Ruyue, Wang Weimiao, Wang Weixiao, from China-Europe Cultural Association
Ukrainian Cultural Association in Sweden. 
Children from Sweden China Cultural Association
Dragon Boat Festival poem reading program by Hunan & Hubei Association in Sweden and Tianjinese Federation in Sweden.
The perfomances were organized by Hunan and Hubei Association in Sweden and Swedish Chinese Cultural Exchange Associaiton and supported by China-Europe Cultural Association, Sweden China Cultural Association, Chinese Teachers Association, Associations from Russian, Greek and Ukrainian communities in Sweden and sponsored by many companies and individuals.
Text by Xuefei Chen Axelsson, Photo by Jan Peter Axelsson.
图片新闻：瑞典华人华侨举办浓情端午文艺演出
北欧绿色邮报网图片报道（记者陈雪霏）－－5月29日瑞典华人华侨和瑞典俄罗斯，希腊和乌克兰文化团体在斯德哥尔摩举办了一场别开生面的浓情端午最炫民族风文艺演出。 为中瑞观众献上一场中欧文化大餐。
shot by Jan Peter Axelsson Jan Peter Axelsson 拍摄
Long live to Sino-Swedish relations
By Xuefei Chen Axelsson
Today marks the 66th anniversary of Sino-Swedish relations. In China, when a person becomes 66 years old, we will give a grand celebration with food and wine.
Similar, the relations between China and Sweden is worthwhile to celebrate too.
Recalling the past 66 years, a lot has happened between the two countries.
Sweden was the first western country that established diplomatic relatlions with China. That was May 9, 1950.
According to historical documents, Norway, Danmark, Finland and Sweden all recognized China in January. But due to Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai’s diplomacy of cleaning up the house first, they decided to accept Swedish offer first and established diplomatic relations with Sweden on May, 9, 1950.
So the former Swedish to China Ambassador said Sweden was chosen to be the first one to establish relations with China. Then Denmark, Finland and Norway established relations with China.
The consideration likely involves the history between China and Sweden. As early as 1700 century, Sweden had sent Gothenburg Ship to China to buy the tea, porshelin and silk. The trade caused a wave of China heat. Even Queen Lovisa was a fan of China.
China Pavillion in Drottningholm was the typical evidence of this craze. It was Lovisa’s gift from the king when she was 33 years old. Inside the pavillion there are a lot of Chinese books. The most impressive thing was the echoing room on the second floor.
Sometimes I feel the down to earth manner and the honesty Swedish people own are the trace of Chinese virtues. Honesty and down to earth are also the virtues Chinese seek.
In the 19th century, Sweden was the first country that signed a business agreement, but didn’t openly invade China or rob China like the other eight western power. But the two sides did sign agreements to divid the antiques people unearthened in Beijing Suburbs. That is why people today can see a whole lot of precious antiques dating back to Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasty in Fareastern Antiquities Museum.
Swedish explorer Sven Hedin explored a lot along the silk road. Many Swedish like to have adventures in China. Ericsson established its office in Shanghai at the end of 19th century.
Meanwhile, Chinese also visited Sweden. Liang Qichao, one of the six Gentlemen who presented a proposal to the Qing Emperor but faced severe punishment escaped to Sweden and lived here for a year.
When New China was established, General Geng Biao who was also vice premier then became the first ambassador to Sweden. New China sent quite a few generals abroad to become the first ambassador.
Sino-Swedish relations have been so good that they sometimes can criticise each other. But they remain good friends.
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf visited China many times. Crown Princess Victoria had her training in China for a month.
Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Sweden in June 2007. President Xi Jinping visited Sweden in 2010 when he was vice president. Premier Wen Jiabao visited Sweden in 2012.
Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of CPPCC visited Sweden in June 2014.
While about 500 Swedish companies operate in China, many Chinese companies come to Sweden to invest. Volvo car owner now is Chinese Geely. Saab was also bought by Chinese from Shandong province.
Many Chinese investors bought houses in Sweden and like to contribute to Swedish economies.
Meanwhile, Swedish companies are also seeking opportunities in China.
In terms of culture, a new Chinese Culture Center will be established right in the center of the Stockholm City. It is a good present for the 66th anniversary of Sino-Swedish relations.
What will be the future like? In fact, from what I observed, more and more tourists, especially ordinary tourists are visiting Sweden. This is a sign that the Chinese are getting richer and richer. They can spend money from their own pocket to go abroad. They can afford it and they are allowed to do this. There is no lofty slogan going on, but there is still a lot happening on the ground.
In my opinion, it is these down to business kind of relations that can be more sustainable if the embassy can allow this to happen. More freedom to move and more permission to visit, it will be good for both sides, for the common people to exchange and do business.
Without such freedom, without such permission, it is difficult to really get the business booming. Without exchange of people, we cannot talk about exchange of culture and business.
Sweden has advantage in environmental technology and practices, design, water and air and green energy while China is in need of green food, green tech and green energy.
Recently the exchange of Ice Hockey becomes frequent too. Several activities have taken place. It is hoped more and more exchange activities will take place with the support from both government and businesses.
President Xi holds talks with Lao Leader to enhance ties
BEIJING, May 3 (Greenpost) — President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit on Tuesday.
This is Bounnhang’s first visit to China since he became General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in January and was elected president of Laos in April.
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC)Central Committee, said the visit showed the Lao side attached great importance to Laos-China ties. He called on both sides to seize opportunities to improve bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation.
The traditional friendship between the two countries is their shared treasure, Xi said, stressing that China was ready to work with Lao new leadership to build a community with a shared future.
Xi called on the two socialist countries to enhance high-level contact, maintain a high level of political mutual trust, improve exchanges between the two ruling parties and promote mutual learning in governance.
The two sides can integrate their development strategies, strengthen pragmatic cooperation, expand people-to-people exchanges and enhance collaboration on security affairs, according to Xi.
The Chinese president also hoped the two countries will further coordinate in international affairs, including cooperation between China and ASEAN.
Echoing Xi, Bounnhang said he believed this visit will improve high-level mutual trust and that the new leadership of Laos will continue to push forward relations between the two parties, the two countries and the two peoples.
Bounnhang thanked China for its support to Laos’ holding the ASEAN’s rotating chair this year.
Speaking highly of China’s development, Bounnhang said he believed China will continue to contribute to peaceful regional and world development.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative documents. Enditem
Swedish Spring Budget: Building a society – responsibility, security and development
By Xuefei Chen Axelsson
STOCKHOLM, April 28, (Greenpost)–Swedish Government has presented its proposed direction for economic policy ahead of the Budget Bill for 2017.
The Government’s priorities – jobs, schools and climate action – remain firm. In addition, proposals are presented to increase funding in the budget for 2016 to address the refugee situation. The Spring Fiscal Policy Bill and the proposals in the spring amending budget are based on an agreement between the government parties and the Left Party.
“In the spring budget, the Government continues to address the refugee situation and sets out the future direction – building our society takes precedence over new tax cuts. With the Swedish model as a foundation and modernisation as a tool, we will respond to the challenges our country is facing. Unemployment must be fought, pupils’ learning outcomes strengthened and climate emissions reduced,” says Minister for Finance Magdalena Andersson.
Strong Swedish economy
The prospects for the Swedish economy are good. The growth rate in 2015 was just over 4 per cent, which is well above the average rate of growth for Sweden in the last twenty years. The growth rate was also higher than for many other countries, including the US and Germany. Unemployment fell significantly in 2015 and is now at around 7 per cent. This is the lowest level of unemployment for seven years. Youth unemployment and long-term unemployment also decreased significantly in 2015.
The Government has adjusted fiscal policy along more responsible lines, and the deficit has fallen sharply since the Government took office. The large number of people seeking asylum in Sweden in 2015 and the important investments being made to enable new Swedes to establish themselves in society and the labour market involve temporary costs. Towards the end of the forecast period, public finances will be in balance and show a surplus.
However, the economic forecast is uncertain and there is a substantial risk of a weaker outlook.
Government priorities ahead of the autumn budget
“The challenges that Sweden is facing make the Government’s ongoing efforts to build a cohesive society even more important,” says Ms Andersson.
Reducing unemployment
The Government’s objective that Sweden will have the lowest unemployment rate in the EU by 2020 remains firmly in place. Investments in job creation will be made under the Government’s jobs agenda. These include skills, education and matching initiatives, investments for the future including in housing and infrastructure, and an active business policy for more and growing companies. Welfare investments are also an important part of employment policy.
Providing equitable knowledge-based education and time for each pupil
Central to building our society is an equitable school system that gives every child the opportunity to develop. The main focus is on boosting learning outcomes through early intervention, enhancing the attractiveness of the teaching profession and improving equity in education.
Tightening up climate policy
Sweden aspires to be one of the world’s first fossil-free welfare nations. Climate change is the Government’s top environmental priority. To lead global development, Sweden is taking further steps to tighten up its national climate policy and reducing emissions.
Strengthening welfare and increasing equity
The Government’s objective is that everyone will benefit from Sweden’s growth and prosperity. The Government prioritises building a society in which welfare is strengthened and opportunities are made to employ more people in welfare services.
Increasing equality between women and men
The Government will continue its efforts to ensure gender mainstreaming in all areas of policy-making and is also implementing special initiatives.
Initiatives in the budget for 2016
The current situation has given rise to needs in a number of areas that will be addressed this year. The Swedish Migration Agency will receive a significant increase in appropriations to manage the large number of asylum seekers.
As more people seek asylum, more asylum cases end in rejection. Return activities will be improved.
To facilitate introduction, funds will be allocated for language initiatives and skills assessment for asylum seekers, and skills validation of new arrivals. A new fast track for newly arrived entrepreneurs will be introduced.
The Swedish Police will receive increased resources, community police will be strengthened and efforts to combat hate crimes will be prioritised. Anti-terrorism efforts will be enhanced, including through increased resources to the Swedish Security Service. In addition, resources to the Swedish Migration Agency will be reinforced to increase security at asylum centres.
Preventive action to protect our open society against violent extremism and racism will be strengthened.
瑞典华人华侨积极普及收入报税知识
北欧绿色邮报网报道（记者陈雪霏）－－5月2日将是瑞典人民报税日。即所有人都必须在5月2日24点之前提交上一年的收入纳税报表。
该制度是一个自我约束机制，即每个公民自己向政府税务局汇报你收入多少，纳税多少。然后，税务局的人核对，对了，给予肯定，有问题，帮你解决，发现严重问题，会仔细查你的帐。
瑞典税务局要求公司或个人的账目发票要保留7年。最近，继上海人联谊会举办报税讲座后，中欧文化协会会计厉迪也为广大会员进行了报税讲座，受到会员的欢迎。
瑞典华人华侨中有很多是新移民，到这里开公司，或者买卖房子，公寓或者是别墅等都有很多讲究。你的交通费要不要报税，有多少可以减免等等，厉迪带领大家逐条进行了解释。
中欧文化协会会长陈雪霏表示，协会就是为会员服务的，协会的宗旨是为活跃华人华侨的业余生活，普及知识，帮助大家融入瑞典社会。
瑞典是世界有名的高税收国家，这也是福利社会的基础。同时，税收也有很多人性化的规定，例如，如果你股票交易赔了，可能你报税的时候就可以减掉损失的部分。其中有很多细节值得了解和研究。
CECA Holds Tax Declaration Lecture
By Xuefei Chen Axelsson
China-Europe Cultural Association held a tax declaration lecture for its Chinese members who are mostly women in Stockholm on 24th of April. 
“A lot of our members are newly migrated to Sweden, due to language and tax knowledge barrier, they have a strong demand for learning how to make the tax declaration. It is also due to the forthcoming time of tax declaration on May 2.” said Xuefei Chen Axelsson, President of China-Europe Cultural Association at the opening of the lecture.
“CECA is an idea organization that helps its members in terms of cultural and entertainment demand, melting into Swedish society while keeping its own culture. But with the necessary demand on the knowledge of tax declaration, we also like to spread this knowledge for the well-being of our members. ” said Chen Axelsson.
“Thanks must also be given to Sensus who helps us to get this classroom.” Said Chen Axelsson.
Secretary of CECA Lily Li gave the presentation with PPT in the Sensus lokal.
Li followed the tax declaration form and illustrated one by one how to fill in and what needs to be included and what is not included and why.
The lecture was welcomed by the members.
18 people including 15 women and 3 men attended the presentation.
The presentation was done by CECA and the lokal was sponsored by Sensus.
CECA and Sensus has been in cooperation since the Spring of 2015.
图片新闻：水中花
CECA, PROFOCA, Green Post jointly hold Nordic Spring Concert
By Xuefei Chen Axelsson
STOCKHOLM, April 17(STOCKHOLM)– China-Europe Cultural Association held its annual meeting and Nordic Spring Concert on Friday evening in Sensus building in Stockholm, together with PROFOCA and Green Post.
Guo Yanhang, director of Counselar department of the Chinese Embassy in Sweden attended the event.
Guo said CECA and Green Post have worked hard in promoting Chinese culture by reporting the cultural events.
“Whenever there is important events, we can see the reporters from Green Post, such as Chinese Navy ships visited Sweden and Nobel Prize announcing ceremonies,” said Guo.
Xuefei Chen Axelsson, President of CECA and chief editor of Green Post said the main mission for the two organizations is to be a bridge between China and Sweden while promoting Chinese culture and enriching the Chinese’s lives.
Chen Axelsson who is also President of PROFOCA said that PROFOCA is a journalist organization which was formed for the well-being of its members.
About 60 people attended the Nordic Spring Concert with support from Sensus.
Famous Chinese woman singer in Sweden Zou Rongmei sang the famous song, I love you, the northern snow to begin the concert.
Chinese tenor Li Zhanchun sang the famous song, I love you China to conclude the concert.
Dong Jiajun performed traditional instrument Hulusi.
Victoria Gao played violin, A large river.
Famous Chinese flautist Wu Jing played Spring arrives in Xiangjiang River. A very beautiful Chinese music.
CECA’s dancer Zhao Yurou danced a Jazz dance.
Ric Wasserman from PROFOCA played three English songs giving the audience the western flavor of music and songs. He plays guitar and sang the songs.
Sun Yuan danced Dunhuang, a very classic dance in China.
Li Sichao led a group of CECA’s members to dance Latin dance.
The performance were welcomed by all the audience, mostly members.
The event was also supported by Sweden Chinese Teachers’ Association, European-Asian Cultural Promotion Association and Sensus in Stockholm.
CECA has elected new members of the board.
ABBA The Museum to exhibit Eurovision song contest
STOCKHOLM, Mar. 16(Greenpost)–ABBA The Museum and the European Broadcasting Union will jointly have a new exhibition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The interactive ”GOOD EVENING EUROPE!” exhibition will celebrate the history of the world’s longest running annual television competition that was first held in 1956.
On May 7 2016 the exhibition has its premier with international and national guests attending. The project has been initiated by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus together with the EBU’s Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand.
The visitor will be able, for the first time, to delve into hundreds of hours of Eurovision Song Contest Shows. Every existing Contest has been digitalized and displayed in a fun, TV-like setting for visitors to access. From the first winner, Switzerland’s Lys Assia in 1956 to Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw in 2015, visitors can immerse themselves in 60 years of great performances, nail-biting moments and classic television moments.
Björn Ulvaeus says; “The Eurovision Song Contest occupies a special place in my heart. It is a pleasure to be able to display the long and in many ways astonishing history of the largest running TV show in the world, where music is at the centre. And I couldn’t think of any better place to do it than at ABBA The Museum in Stockholm.”
A special wall will also honour the Sweden’s six Eurovision winners; ABBA, Herreys, Carola, Charlotte Perrelli, Loreen and Måns Zelmerlöw with stories written by Christer Björkman, the King of Sweden’s Melodifestival. Visitors can test their Eurovision Song Contest knowledge with an interactive quiz too.
Jon Ola Sand says: “We are really excited to be working with ABBA The Museum on this unique exhibition celebrating 60 years of great music and television. It is fitting that, as the Contest returns to Stockholm for the 3rd time, the history of the world’s biggest music event can now be explored alongside that of its most successful winners.”
The exhibition has been curated by ABBA The Museum Director Ingmarie Halling and set designer Bengt Fröderberg together with Anna Söderberg.
Ingmarie Halling says: “I believe everyone has heard the words ”Good Evening Europe!” coming from a TV set nearby at some point in their lives. A song contest so old, so hot and so loved by so many viewers is unique. It´s a real honour for ABBA The Museum at Pop House that together with the EBU get the chance to show this colourful exhibition for fans, friends, media and artists from back in the day until now.”
In the exhibition there will also be the chance to sing favourite songs on the Eurovision stage itself as well as see original costumes from selected artists who have taken part in Europe’s favourite TV show over the past six decades.
The exhibition will also feature an empty space to be filled by the winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest which will be held in Stockholm on 10, 12 &14 May. After the Grand Final, the winning artist is invited to visit the museum the next day and place one item from their performance in the exhibition.