Μake us preferred on Google The European Commission has issued a pointed warning to North Macedonia over what it describes as repeated disregard for the Prespa Agreement, accusing senior government officials of failing to use the country’s constitutionally established name.
In its annual progress report published Thursday, the Commission said the agreement must be implemented in good faith, warning that the conduct of government members and senior officials could damage relations with neighboring countries.
“Implementing bilateral agreements in good faith, including the Prespa Agreement, remains essential. Members of the government and senior officials on occasions disregard the Agreement, including by not using the country’s constitutional name, which risks affecting good neighbourly relations” the report states.
The criticism comes as Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and members of his right-wing governing party have repeatedly referred to the country simply as “Macedonia,” omitting the geographical qualifier “North” in public statements.
Brussels stresses importance of international commitments
The Commission’s warning comes despite continued cooperation between North Macedonia and Greece in several areas, including the economy, infrastructure, energy, tourism and culture.
The report nevertheless makes clear that compliance with international agreements remains a key issue in the country’s relations with its neighbors and its European path.
The Prespa Agreement was signed in June 2018 and entered into force in February 2019, ending a decades-long dispute between Greece and what was then known internationally as Macedonia.
Under the agreement, the country adopted the name Republic of North Macedonia, with “North Macedonia” as its short form. The name is to be used universally, both domestically and in international relations.
The agreement was intended to settle the dispute between Athens and Skopje and establish a framework for improved bilateral relations. Its implementation remains a central element of the two countries’ commitments to one another.
