After settling the naming dispute, North Macedonia is enjoying the economic fruits of a friendlier relationship with Greece.

In particular, since North Macedonia gained independence from the collapsing Yugoslavia in 1991, it was officially known as “the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (or FYROM) until February 2019. The dispute erupted when Greece objected to the country calling itself just “Macedonia.” Macedonia was an ancient Hellenic kingdom most known for its expansive conquests under Alexander the Great. Greeks typically see themselves and their culture as partial descendants from the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia, and they felt the FYROM was appropriating that legacy.

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While the current nation overlaps with some of Macedonia’s historical regions, its dominant ethnic group is Slavic, which was nowhere near Alexander’s previous areas. The conflict over the name was difficult to understand for many outside observers; however, the dispute carried far more cultural and historical weight than just a name for inside citizens.

Thanks to an agreement made in 2018 and being effective in 2019, the North Macedonian–Greek relation has improved. As part of the agreement, the North Macedonian government implemented many long-term changes, including altering its official letterhead. It also started issuing passports and identity cards with the North Macedonia name.

The deal between the two nations that enacted the name change is the Prespa Agreement, named for a lake they shared. In addition to resolving the terminology problem, the Prespa Agreement covers areas of cooperation for a strategic partnership. Bujar Osmani, North Macedonia’s foreign minister, has stated that the bilateral relationship has “deepened” since the Prespa Agreement, giving more opportunities for Macedonia trade.

Obstacles to EU Membership Remain

A big motivator for North Macedonia’s agreeing to the name change is their aspiration to join the European Union. While resolving their disagreement with Greece is a big step, the path towards EU membership is not entirely clear. North Macedonia’s eastern neighbor, Bulgaria—who, like Greece, is an EU member—opposes North Macedonia’s potential membership, citing a similar bilateral dispute over history and national identity.

Advocates of trade and cooperation should be hopeful that North Macedonia can resolve its issues with Bulgaria as it has with Greece. As seen already, the Prespa Agreement has enabled greater collaboration between two nations with economic conflicts in recent history, and North Macedonia trade is vital for the country during the post-pandemic period.

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