Skopje, 28 November 2025 (MIA) — Sweden stands firmly with North Macedonia, both through political support and through concrete steps, Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz told a press conference Friday in Skopje, encouraging the state "to seize the momentum for enlargement while it is here, while there is new energy among the member states." 

Considering global security challenges, European cooperation is more important than ever for fostering peace, democracy, security and prosperity in Europe, Minister Rosencrantz told reporters after her talks with Minister for European Affairs Orhan Murtezani in Skopje.

"I am proud to represent a government that has broad support for EU enlargement," she said, citing recent survey findings that 79% of the Swedish public supported enlargement.

Rosencrantz pointed out that EU enlargement was essential for building a safer continent and a stronger economy. She added that North Macedonia's EU membership after its successful completion of the reform process was in the EU's best interest.

"The momentum for EU enlargement is indeed now," she said, adding that the Russian war against Ukraine made it clear that European countries needed to strengthen mutual cooperation.

In response to a reporter's question about the country's bilateral issue with Bulgaria, she stressed the importance of good dialogue with neighbors.

"A good dialogue with neighboring countries is always welcome as part of the accession process," she said. "Sweden knows that when the constitutional amendments are adopted, the EU and all member states will respect the agreement and immediately thereafter formally start negotiations."

Rosencrantz reiterated Sweden's support for the country's reforms related to the rule of law, judiciary independence and integrity as well as the fight against corruption. 

"The EC's report provides clear guidelines on that path," she said.

"It is true that the country's progress report notes a standstill in reforms," she added, "especially regarding reforms in the judiciary." 

She highlighted that achieving EU standards would benefit citizens as well as help accelerate the country's accession process once the negotiations begin.

The Swedish minister said Sweden was celebrating 30 years as an EU member state and pointed out the benefits of membership. She said her country had become more affluent and stronger in facing challenges. 

"From an economic point of view, entering the single market was of crucial importance for Swedish companies. I am convinced North Macedonia will also have the same benefits when it becomes a member. I know the road ahead is hard and sometimes long, but I guarantee that membership will be worth it," Rosencrantz said.

Minister Murtezani said North Macedonia remained fully committed to European integration by fulfillng the Copenhagen criteria and implementing reforms.

He said it was important that the EU maintain its credibility of the merit-based enlargement policy and he welcomed the principled support Sweden provided in the process. 

The Europe minister said the cooperation between the two countries, especially through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, resulted in important projects for democracy, the rule of law, gender equality and the environment. This partnership, he added, was an example of long-term and substantial European support.

"Sweden and North Macedonia share the values of democratic stability, respect for the law and responsible management of public goods," Murtezani said, adding that Rosencrantz's visit to the country would deepen bilateral cooperation.

"In times when the EU needs to show courage and vision, we are confirming our committment to being part of that vision," he said. 

"An enlarged Europe is a Europe that believes in itself, and North Macedonia is ready to share in that spirit of trust and responsibility," he said. mr/