Ambassadors of Sweden, Finland, and Austria Emphasize the Importance of Reforms and Commitment to Euro-Integration

Skopje – The ambassadors of Finland, Sweden, and Austria in Skopje—Niklas Lindqvist, Ami Larson Jain, and Martin Pamer—emphasized the crucial need for North Macedonia to implement necessary reforms and remain committed to Euro-integration during a panel discussion at the European House. The event celebrated the 30th anniversary of their countries’ accession to the EU and focused on the advantages of EU membership.

When discussing the bilateral issue with Bulgaria, Ambassador Larson Jain of Sweden argued that the resolution should be determined by North Macedonia’s authorities. Meanwhile, Austrian Ambassador Pamer expressed confidence that the challenge could be addressed through the compromise reached by the EU in 2022, highlighting the need for goodwill in finding a resolution.

In response to concerns about the country being praised for its Reform Agenda while still facing challenges with Bulgaria, Lindqvist stressed the importance of continuing negotiations with the EU on these topics.

“From my perspective, the priority should be to maximize the benefits from the EU Growth Plan. I believe the Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda are key to demonstrating the tangible advantages of EU membership to the citizens,” stated Lindqvist.

He further emphasized the significance of open dialogue with any country involved in the EU membership process, clarifying, “It’s essential to remember that your negotiations are with the EU, not with neighboring countries.”

Ambassador Larson Jain pointed out that successful implementation of reforms will expedite North Macedonia’s EU negotiation process. She noted that Sweden allocates over ten million euros annually to support North Macedonia’s journey towards EU membership, helping the country advance its reform efforts.

Addressing concerns about the timeline for EU negotiations, Ambassador Pamer suggested that focusing on specific deadlines might be less critical than achieving significant progress in the necessary reforms. “For a small country like North Macedonia, EU membership is the only viable path. It is vital to implement all necessary reforms, which extend beyond just one issue,” he added. (April 24, 2025)