2018年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Progress_in_resolving_the_Greek_4页_453kb

Summary of the Greek-Macedonian Name Dispute Resolution

Core Content

The Greek-Macedonian name dispute, a long-standing issue rooted in historical and national identity claims, has been a major obstacle to the political integration of North Macedonia into international institutions such as the EU and NATO. This dispute has been a symbol of the broader challenges of nationalism and identity politics in the Western Balkans.

Main Points of the Dispute

• Historical Context: Greece objected to Macedonia's use of the name, particularly due to its association with Alexander the Great, whom Greece considers a historical figure of its own heritage.
• Provisional Name: After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Macedonia was admitted to the UN under the provisional name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM), which Greece opposed.
• Interim Agreement of 1995: This agreement allowed Macedonia to proceed with UN membership under the provisional name, but Greece continued to block its full international recognition.
• NATO Summit of 2008: Macedonia was not admitted to NATO due to Greece's continued objections, which significantly impacted its foreign policy aspirations.

Key Developments

• New Leadership: The election of Zoran Zaev as Prime Minister in 2016 marked a turning point, with a renewed focus on rule of law and democratic reforms.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Zaev and his foreign minister, Nikola Dimitrov, initiated a new dialogue with Greece, leading to the historic agreement signed in June 2018.
• Agreement Details:
  • The name of the country will be changed to "Republic of North Macedonia" with the short name "North Macedonia".
  • The Constitution must be amended by the end of 2018 to reflect the new name.
  • The agreement emphasizes a clear distinction between "Macedonian" (Slavic) and "Hellenic" (Greek) cultures, without acknowledging shared heritage or values.
  • It establishes two new bodies: a "Joint Interdisciplinary Committee" and a "High Level Cooperation Council" to address historical and cultural issues, as well as promote cooperation in various fields.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Political Resistance: The opposition, led by VMRO-DPMNE, and the former president have expressed strong opposition to the agreement, reflecting deep divisions within Macedonian society.
• Lack of Transparency: The government has faced criticism for not being sufficiently transparent during the negotiations, which could hinder public support.
• Public Conviction: The government must now work to convince the public that the new name does not compromise Macedonian identity or culture, a challenge that requires inclusive dialogue and engagement with civil society.

Implications and Future Outlook

• EU Accession: If the agreement is ratified by the Macedonian Parliament and Greece, it could pave the way for EU accession negotiations to begin.
• International Recognition: The agreement is seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, allowing North Macedonia to move forward in its international integration.
• Ongoing Work: The real challenge lies in ensuring that the new bodies established under the agreement can foster genuine cooperation and reconciliation between the two countries.

Conclusion

The resolution of the Greek-Macedonian name dispute represents a major step in the political development of North Macedonia. While the agreement has been welcomed internationally, it faces significant domestic and political hurdles. The success of this process will depend on the government's ability to maintain transparency, engage the public, and promote a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.