Skopje – This morning, Orhan Murtezani, the Minister for European Affairs, welcomed Jesika Rosenkranz, the Minister for European Affairs from the Kingdom of Sweden, who is on a working visit to the Republic of North Macedonia since yesterday.
– The meeting at the Ministry for European Affairs included a private discussion and a plenary session with delegations, focusing on North Macedonia’s European integration, bilateral development cooperation, and Sweden’s backing of the EU accession process, according to the relevant ministry.
Minister Murtezani underscored the significance of upholding the credibility of the enlargement policy as a crucial tool for stability and prosperity in the region. He reaffirmed North Macedonia’s commitment to reforms and adherence to the Copenhagen criteria as the primary pathway to EU membership.
It was emphasized that the accession process should be based solely on merit, avoiding bilateral conditions that do not align with European law and principles. Murtezani stated that the revived dynamics of enlargement present an opportunity to restore faith in the European ideal, asserting that North Macedonia is prepared to join a new wave of integration that will enhance Europe’s strength and unity.
– The ministers also addressed the implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform Agenda, which serve as key mechanisms for facilitating economic integration and structural reforms. Murtezani highlighted North Macedonia’s successful completion of many obligations in the first phase of the Agenda, particularly regarding the rule of law, digitalization, and the business environment. Both ministers concurred that the Growth Plan offers a fresh opportunity for economic alignment with the EU single market, further motivating the region toward sustainable growth and competitiveness, as noted in the ministry’s statement.
Furthermore, the discussions underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation between North Macedonia and Sweden, which is persistently fostered through projects by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) in line with the Strategy for Reform Cooperation with the Western Balkans and Turkey 2021-2027. (November 28, 2025)
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