Tsipras and Zaev Urge Stability Amid North Macedonia Name Dispute

Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and former North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev are calling for stability in the Balkan region after North Macedonia's new president Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova sparked controversy by refusing to use the country's official name during her inauguration on May 12. Siljanovska-Davkova referred to her country as simply "Macedonia," omitting the "North" part of the name agreed to in the 2018 Prespa Agreement.

Why this matters: The dispute has the potential to reignite tensions between Greece and North Macedonia, jeopardizing the fragile peace and cooperation in the Balkan region. Furthermore, it may also impact North Macedonia's chances of joining the European Union, which could have broader implications for regional stability and security.

The Prespa Agreement, signed by Tsipras and Zaev in 2018, ended a long-standing dispute between Greece and North Macedonia over the use of the name "Macedonia." Under the deal, North Macedonia amended its constitution and changed its name to distinguish itself from Greece's province of Macedonia. The agreement paved the way for North Macedonia to join NATO in 2020.

In a phone call on Monday, Tsipras and Zaev discussed the latest political developments in North Macedonia and emphasized the importance of upholding the Prespa Agreement to promote stability and cooperation in the region. The two leaders expressed concerns over the rise of "hypocritical and perilous" nationalistic populism on both sides and agreed to pursue initiatives that maintain peace and foster closer relations between the citizens of Greece and North Macedonia.

Greece strongly condemned Siljanovska-Davkova's actions, with the foreign ministry calling it a "flagrant violation of the Prespa Agreement and the constitution of our neighbouring country." Greek ambassador Sophia Philippidou walked out of the inauguration ceremony in protest. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that the incident jeopardizes bilateral relations and North Macedonia's chances of joining the European Union.

Bulgaria also reacted to the controversy, with caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev stating that Bulgaria does not accept statements and behavior that contradict the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation and EU agreements with North Macedonia. President Roumen Radev stressed the importance of implementing international treaties for North Macedonia's European perspective.

European leaders echoed the call for North Macedonia to respect its binding agreements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted, "For North Macedonia to continue its successful path on EU accession it is paramount that the country continues on the path of reforms and full respect for its binding agreements, including the Prespa Agreement." European Council President Charles Michel expressed disappointment at Siljanovska-Davkova's actions and emphasized the need for continued implementation of legally binding agreements.

The dispute has raised tensions within Greek politics, with opposition parties questioning the benefits of the Prespa Agreement. The return to power of the nationalist right in North Macedonia also risks reigniting tensions with Bulgaria, which has long blocked EU accession for Skopje due to linguistic and historical disputes. As the controversy continues, Tsipras and Zaev's call for stability and cooperation in the Balkan region underscores the fragile progress made in recent years and the ongoing challenges in overcoming deep-rooted nationalist sentiments.

Key Takeaways

• New North Macedonian President sparks controversy by omitting "North" from country's name.
• Dispute may reignite Greece-North Macedonia tensions and impact EU accession.
• Former leaders Tsipras and Zaev call for stability and cooperation in the Balkans.
• Greece and Bulgaria condemn the move, citing violation of Prespa Agreement.
• European leaders urge North Macedonia to respect binding agreements.