It is the Bilderberg Group, a closed forum for the world's elite from Europe and North America, that has booked the entire luxurious Grand Hotel in central Stockholm from Tuesday, June 10th to Saturday, June 14th.
What is the Bilderberg Group?
The Bilderberg Group (also called the Bilderberg Meeting or Bilderberg Conference) is an annual, closed meeting with around 120-150 invited guests from the world's political, economic, and intellectual elite. The group was founded in 1954 to promote dialogue between Europe and North America and strengthen relations.
Why does the elite meet in this way?
The group's original goal at its founding in 1954 was to promote dialogue between Europe and North America, strengthen relations, and prevent a new world war. Today, the agenda is to strengthen Western free market capitalism and interests in the world.
The participants are a mix of politicians, corporate leaders, bankers, military personnel, and media profiles. ⅔ are from Europe and ⅓ from North America. The Chatham House rule is applied: participants are allowed to use the information but not reveal who said what. This is to encourage more free and open discussions.
Bilderberg Group's meeting in Stockholm
- Security measures: The Swedish police have introduced a special event, "Iris", to protect the meeting.
- Protests: There are reports of planned demonstration against Bilderberg Group with activists protesting against what they see as undemocratic concentration of power and lack of transparency. One known demonstration will be held 14th with a march from Norrmalms torg to Grand Hôtel.
- Swedish participants: Top politicians and corporate leaders are expected to be present, considering last year's meeting, that had among others Spotify founder Daniel Ek, Ann Linde (S) and Volvos CEO Martin Lundstedt.
- Marcus Wallenberg is among the members of Bilderberg Group steering committee and Wallenberg family also owns the Grand Hôtel where the meeting is being held.
