Wednesday, 27 September 2024, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier received the credentials of Swedish Ambassador Veronika Wand-Danielsson. Born in 1959, Veronika Wand-Danielsson is a name that resonates with distinction in the corridors of international diplomacy. The Swedish diplomat, who notably served as the Ambassador of Sweden to France and Monaco from 2014 to 2020, has carved out a remarkable career path that mirrors her profound commitment to global cooperation and political stability.
Daughter of a diplomat, Wand-Danielsson’s early years were marked by an international upbringing, as she spent a significant part of her childhood across various African nations, including Benin, Nigeria, and Angola. This early exposure to diverse cultures and political landscapes laid the foundation for her career in diplomacy.
Wand-Danielsson is a political science graduate, having studied at Stockholm University, the Institut d’études politiques de Paris, and Uppsala University. Her education set the stage for a career characterized by insightful understanding and strategic expertise in international relations.
Wand-Danielsson’s entry into the realm of diplomacy was through the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. In 1990, she embarked on her official diplomatic journey, joining the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically in the General Directorate for Multilateral Cooperation.
Her career took a significant turn between 1993 and 1999 when she joined the Directorate-General for Development of the European Commission. This period was crucial in shaping her understanding of European Union policies and international developmental strategies.
From 2000 to 2007, Wand-Danielsson’s expertise was further honed at the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union in Brussels, where she served as Minister Counsellor. Here, she managed diverse portfolios, including the EU’s relations with the Western Balkans, external relations of the Representation, negotiations on the European Union budget, and the Treaty of Lisbon.
A pivotal moment in her career was her appointment as the Ambassador of Sweden to NATO from 2007 to 2014. During this tenure, Sweden saw an enhancement in its cooperation with NATO and a significant contribution to military missions in Afghanistan and Libya.
In September 2014, Wand-Danielsson reached another career milestone when she was appointed the Ambassador of Sweden to France. Notably, she became the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her accreditation as Ambassador to the Principality of Monaco in February 2015 further underscored her diplomatic prowess.
For further information
Embassy of Sweden in Germany: https://www.swedenabroad.se/berlin
