In the 3rd installment of our “Ambassadors Series”, ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ International Edition “journeys” to Scandinavia to discuss current affairs issues and explore the prospects of strengthening bonds between Greece and Sweden with Mr. Håkan Emsgård.
Appointed as his country’s top diplomat in Greece in January 2025, Mr. Håkan Emsgård tells us about how he plans to reinforce the excellent bilateral relations between the two allies.
He explains the possibilities of furthering economic and trade ties between the two countries, by expanding in new sectors, while highlighting the significance of utilizing cultural diplomacy to promote ties even more. “The cultural relations are very important, indeed”, he notes, adding that learning about the history and culture of “our respective countries is extremely valuable”.
Mr. Håkan Emsgård touches upon the importance of Greece and Sweden exchanging ideas and best practices to address the pressing issue of immigration.
The Swedish Ambassador stresses that economic and trade exchanges are at the core of the relations, pointing out the active role of the Chamber of Commerce. ”We are very well placed to expand trade and investment between our countries,” he underlines.
Having recently joined NATO and in the wake of the war in Ukraine, Sweden wants to contribute to the military alliance to the best of its abilities. The Ambassador underscores the great opportunities in the area of defense industry and the production of high-end military hardware.
On the new geopolitical reality emerging after the shift in policy by the Trump administration, and how the EU should react, the Ambassador points out the need to step up efforts regarding national defense and the broader security framework in Europe.
