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Emelie Borg appointed Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Southern Sweden

18/5/2026

As of 2026, Emelie Borg has been appointed Honorary Consul of the Netherlands for Southern Sweden. Based in Malmö, she will focus on strengthening economic and social ties between the Netherlands and Sweden, with a particular emphasis on business.
Emelie brings a strong international background, having worked and studied in several countries. She has also been active in Sweden for 18 years within an organisation with a Dutch parent company—giving her valuable insight into both countries. We asked her a few questions:

What attracted you to the role of honorary consul?
I’ve worked and studied in quite a few different countries. I genuinely enjoy seeing the world and experiencing different cultures, but I also think it’s essential for gaining new perspectives and continuing to grow. Understanding other cultures makes you more aware and appreciative of what you have yourself.
I’ve also always had a strong interest in languages, as they’re really the key to understanding a culture and becoming part of it.
When I was approached for this role and looked into what it involves, what really appealed to me was the opportunity to connect people, countries and cultures. It’s a role where I can actively use my international experience and network. I also find the diplomatic side both interesting and a great learning opportunity. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to making a meaningful contribution.

What do you hope to achieve for Dutch people and entrepreneurs in Sweden?
I’d like to act as a bridge between our two countries. From that position, I want to help improve understanding of both the differences and similarities, so we can strengthen and speed up collaboration.
I’ve lived and worked in both countries and have been active in Sweden for 18 years with a Dutch parent company. That experience allows me to connect people and organisations on both sides and help facilitate cooperation.

What makes the relationship between the Netherlands and Sweden special?
They’re both relatively small countries with quite a lot in common. Both are highly innovative and have strong English skills. They often lead the way, albeit in different areas, and regularly work together within the EU.
Personally, I see many similarities between the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. At the same time, there are clear cultural differences, for example in communication and decision-making. That combination is exactly what makes working together so interesting and valuable. Together, we also represent an important voice for a strong democratic platform in Europe.

Do you see any developments that point toward a strengthening of ties between the Netherlands and Sweden?
Absolutely. From my own sector, I see that the Netherlands is strong in circular construction, while Sweden excels in areas like AI solutions. These strengths complement each other very well.
There are clear opportunities to strengthen cooperation further, particularly in areas such as:

Life sciences & tech
Agriculture
Circular economy & green energy
Green urban transition
Water technology

What would you like to achieve in the coming years, and how do you see the collaboration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce?
I’d like to further develop the collaboration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce over the coming years. The Chamber plays a strong role in supporting entrepreneurs and connecting networks, offering a valuable platform for internationally active businesses.
I see great value in working closely together to better support Dutch companies looking to expand into southern Sweden or Kronoberg. By connecting knowledge and networks, we can strengthen cooperation between our countries.
My main focus will be on the business community. I set up a company in Malmö myself with a Dutch parent company, so I know first-hand what’s involved. I understand the differences between our two countries and how the strengths of both cultures can complement each other.
I also know Kronoberg County well: I studied here and am familiar with the regional business landscape.

What’s your view on the South region, and what opportunities are there for entrepreneurs?
The South region is part of the Greater Copenhagen area and acts as an important gateway to the Nordic market. It’s close to the Netherlands, with good connections and strong international accessibility.
With the Femern Belt link and the TEN-T rail corridor, connectivity to Germany and the Netherlands will improve even further in the coming years.
The region has strong sectors such as:

Food tech
Green transition
Tech
Life sciences

There’s also a strong ecosystem of universities, science parks and incubators in places like Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö.
At the same time, I think these opportunities aren’t always visible enough, even within Sweden itself. For example, more Dutch people move to Sweden than the other way around.
According to Invest in Skåne, Dutch companies in particular have strong positions in:

Life sciences
Circular economy
Water technology
Food tech
Advanced materials (ESS & MAX IV)

I’m looking forward to exploring where I can add the most value in the coming period and focusing on that in the years ahead. In the initial phase, my focus will mainly be on speaking with different stakeholders to build a broader and clearer understanding.
My ambition is to make a tangible contribution in the short term and to play an active role in further strengthening the connection between these two great countries—both economically and on a human level.

/W.B.

Two events in cooperation with Berlitz

11/5/2026

Last Thursday, we hosted an event with Berlitz in both Gothenburg and Stockholm, bringing together members and guests around the theme Bridging Cultures and Accelerating Transformation.

In Stockholm, Tina Sjöström created a warm atmosphere where participants shared cross-cultural experiences. Using personal stories from Ethiopia, highlighting greeting rituals like shoulder bumps and broader definitions of "family", she beautifully illustrated how cultural nuances shape everyday interactions.

Meanwhile, at the World Trade Center in Gothenburg, Karolina Sveiby focused on how cultural competence strengthens engagement and retains international talent. She gave participants practical tools to discover their own cultural preferences, emphasizing that true competence requires a genuine interest in others and active dialogue.

Both sessions sparked lively discussions and reflection. A warm thank you to Berlitz, Tina, Karolina, the WTC, and all participants for bringing such great energy to these important conversations!

Do you want to learn more about intercultural communication or language training in the workplace? Connect with Karolina Sveiby, Tina Sjöström, or Doris Bandic from Berlitz on LinkedIn to discuss further.
/M.S.

We present our new Executive Board

Emelie Borg appointed Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Southern Sweden

Two events in cooperation with Berlitz

Great business lunch in Gothenburg

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