Ulf Kristersson, Sweden's centre-right leader, arrived in Valencia for the EPP Congress as news broke of another shooting in Uppsala, highlighting ongoing gang violence in Sweden. He emphasized efforts to enhance police capabilities despite a decrease in shootings. Security concerns also extend to underwater cable incidents in the Baltic Sea, with suspicions raised about potential responsibility. Sweden joined NATO in March 2024 amid rising tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The arrest of journalist Joakim Medin in Turkey for insulting the President has sparked criticism regarding freedom of speech and NATO allies' differing opinions.