Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has declared that North Macedonia will face significant challenges on its path to joining the European Union. According to a report by RTSH, Mitsotakis stated that Greece will not ratify cooperation agreements with Skopje.
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| Screenshot showing Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a local media talking about North Macedonia, source: Open TV |
This statement follows diplomatic tensions ignited by newly elected President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who expressed discomfort with using the "North" prefix for her country’s name. The name issue was resolved constitutionally by North Macedonia following the 2018 Prespa Agreement.
“At this point, we will not ratify the memoranda between us. Ratification would grant advantages to North Macedonia. The country must recognize that the election period is over. North Macedonia is isolated, not Greece. I believe they will adapt to the pressure they are facing,” Mitsotakis asserted. He emphasized that North Macedonia's leadership must take their responsibilities seriously and cease unnecessary political maneuvers.
Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s commitment to the Prespa Agreement. His remarks come in response to recent reports that President Siljanovska-Davkova’s official website had removed references to the country’s constitutional name, replacing it with abbreviations like "MK" or simply "Macedonia." Furthermore, on her social media profile on the platform X, Siljanovska-Davkova describes herself as the "President of Macedonia."
The Greek Prime Minister's firm stance underscores the ongoing sensitivity and complexity of diplomatic relations in the region. The adherence to international agreements and responsible political conduct remain critical for North Macedonia’s aspirations to join the EU.