Skopje, 28 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani hosted on Friday his Swedish counterpart Jessica Rosencrantz, who is paying a working visit to North Macedonia. 

"The Ministry of European Affairs hosted a tête-à-tête meeting and a plenary meeting of the delegations, for talks on North Macedonia's European integration, bilateral development cooperation and Sweden's support in the process of accession to the European Union," the Ministry said in a press release. 

Minister Murtezani highlighted the importance of maintaining the credibility of the enlargement policy as one of the key instruments for stability and prosperity on the continent. He pointed out that North Macedonia remains committed to reforms and to implementing the Copenhagen criteria as a basic roadmap for membership in the Union.

In that context, interlocutors stressed that accession is an exclusively merit-based process, rather than a process based on bilateral conditions that don't stem from European legislation and principles. According to Murtezani, the renewed dynamics of enlargement is an opportunity to restore trust in the European idea. He noted that North Macedonia is ready to be part of the new wave of integration that will make Europe stronger and more united.

"Talks also tackled the implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform Agenda, as the main mechanisms to support economic integration and structural reforms. Murtezani said North Macedonia has so far successfully implemented a significant part of the commitments within the first phase of the Agenda, especially in the areas of the rule of law, digitalization and the business environment. The two ministers agreed that the Growth Plan is a new opportunity for economic convergence with the EU single market and an additional incentive for the region to move forward towards sustainable growth and competitiveness," reads the press release.  

Participants in the meeting particularly highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation between North Macedonia and Sweden, which is ongoing through the projects of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), in accordance with the strategy for Sweden's reform cooperation with the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2021-2027. Through this program, Sweden supports projects in the areas of human rights, democracy, gender equality, environmental protection and inclusive economic development. The most significant initiatives include cooperation between state statistical services, strengthening public administration capacities, support for women in rural areas, projects for air quality and sustainable energy, as well as assistance in promoting transparency and accountability in institutions.

"Murtezani and Rosencrantz agreed that the bilateral relations between North Macedonia and Sweden are characterized by stability, mutual respect and continuous strengthening of cooperation in all areas. Murtezani expressed gratitude for the support so far and confidence that this visit will contribute to deepening of joint initiatives, especially in the areas of green and digital transition, innovation and economic development. In the face of global challenges, interlocutors agreed that a united and stable Europe can only be built through partnerships based on trust, solidarity and common values," the press release adds. 

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs