North Macedonia, a candidate for European Union membership, has recently faced disputes with EU neighbors Greece and Bulgaria following the landslide election victory of a conservative-backed coalition and president. The country changed its name from Macedonia to North Macedonia in 2018 as part of an agreement with Greece, ending a long-standing quarrel over the name that Greece had claimed for one of its regions. However, during a swearing-in ceremony, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova referred to her country as “Macedonia,” sparking a heated response from Athens.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared Siljanovska-Davkova’s remarks as “illegal and unacceptable,” stating that further missteps of this nature would not be accepted. The European Commission also criticized the president’s comments, while Bulgaria warned North Macedonia that it would be held accountable to the terms of international agreements it had signed. Despite these tensions, the president’s office affirmed that Siljanovska-Davkova would respect the country’s international obligations but maintained her right to use the name “Macedonia” as a personal form of self-identification.
The geographical region of Macedonia is divided by the national borders of Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, with the name dispute having previously hindered the country’s attempts to join the EU and NATO. North Macedonia eventually joined NATO in 2020, but the longstanding issue remains a point of contention with Greece and Bulgaria. The recent election victory of the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party in North Macedonia’s presidential and parliamentary elections further complicates the situation, as the party is set to lead the next government after years in opposition.
The victory of the conservative-backed coalition and president in North Macedonia’s recent elections has raised concerns and tensions with neighboring countries Greece and Bulgaria, particularly regarding the use of the name “Macedonia.” While the name dispute has been partially resolved through the 2018 agreement with Greece, recent remarks by President Siljanovska-Davkova have reignited tensions and prompted criticism from Athens and the European Commission. These disputes threaten to disrupt North Macedonia’s ongoing efforts to join the EU and further integrate into the international community.
Despite the challenges and disputes surrounding the name issue, North Macedonia is forging ahead with its aspirations for EU membership and strengthening ties with neighboring countries. The country’s recent election results have shifted the political landscape, with the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party poised to lead the next government. As North Macedonia navigates these complex geopolitical dynamics, it will need to navigate carefully to maintain stability and progress towards its goal of EU accession while also managing relationships with Greece and Bulgaria. The resolution of the name issue will remain a critical factor in determining the country’s path forward in the European Union and the broader international community.
