The European Investment Bank (EIB) has further solidified its support for the expansion of Stockholm's metro system by approving an additional loan of 4.5 billion SEK (approximately 400 million euros) to Region Stockholm and Stockholm City. This latest financial injection brings the EIB's total commitment to the project to over 12 billion SEK, marking it as the bank's largest investment in Swedish public transport to date.

The expansion project, one of the largest EU-funded infrastructure initiatives in Sweden, encompasses the construction of three new metro lines, approximately 30 kilometers of new tracks (including about 20 kilometers of double-track tunnels), and 18 new stations. Additionally, the project will facilitate the development of 130,500 new homes along the new routes, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and efficient public transport in the Stockholm region.

Thomas Östros, Vice President of the EIB, emphasized the project's significance, stating, 'This investment strengthens both sustainable mobility and regional development. By contributing additional funding, we demonstrate our long-term commitment to climate-smart investments in Europe's growing cities. The project is an excellent example of how EU funding can benefit both residents and the climate.'

The expansion is a collaborative effort involving the state, Region Stockholm, and the municipalities of Järfälla, Nacka, Solna, and Stockholm. With a budget of 54 billion SEK at the 2016 price level, the project is a cornerstone in Stockholm's strategy to achieve its climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. The new metro lines are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a viable alternative to car travel, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the region's residents.

In a strategic move to optimize their capital structures, A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S and Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S have been actively executing their share buy-back programs. These initiatives, announced earlier this year, are part of the companies' efforts to return value to shareholders and manage their equity more efficiently. The programs are being carried out in compliance with EU regulations, specifically under the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and the Safe Harbour Regulation, ensuring transparency and fairness in the transactions.

A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S, one of the world's leading shipping companies, has reported significant activity in its share buy-back program. From 19 May to 23 May 2025, the company purchased a total of 3,185 A shares and 15,969 B shares, amounting to DKK 39,750,480 and DKK 202,303,080, respectively. This brings the accumulated total under the program to 58,951 A shares and 333,853 B shares, with a combined value exceeding DKK 4.5 billion.

Similarly, Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S has made notable progress in its share repurchase initiative. Since the program's inception on 2 May 2025, NORDEN has bought back 61,900 shares at a total cost of DKK 12,210,382. These transactions have increased the company's treasury shares to 1,781,004, representing 5.75% of its total shares outstanding. The buy-back program, capped at USD 7 million, is a testament to NORDEN's commitment to enhancing shareholder value amidst a volatile market environment.

The share buy-back programs by A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S and Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S highlight a growing trend among European companies to leverage such financial strategies. By reducing the number of shares in circulation, these companies aim to improve earnings per share and provide a more attractive return to their investors. As the programs continue, market watchers will be keen to observe their impact on the companies' stock performance and overall market perception.