Von der Leyen sparks outrage over Macedonian identity in EU

What happened

EU President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union welcomes North Macedonia with its identity and language, using the term "Macedonian" which is a sensitive point in the Prespa Agreement between Greece and North Macedonia. The statement is seen as a provocation by Greece, as the term "Macedonian" is not explicitly defined in the Agreement and can be perceived as recognition of a specific ethnicity or national identity. The statement was made during a meeting with North Macedonia's

Why it matters

The statement has significant public implications as it touches on a sensitive point in the Prespa Agreement and may be seen as blurring distinctions between citizenship, language, and national identity. The European Commission's position on the matter may be perceived as conflicting with the Greek interpretation of the Agreement. The statement may also have implications for North Macedonia's accession to the EU.

Key facts

• The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, used the term "Macedonian" in a statement in Skopje.
• The term "Macedonian" is a sensitive point in the Prespa Agreement between Greece and North Macedonia.
• The statement was made during a meeting with North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
• The European Commission requires North Macedonia to amend its constitution to recognize Bulgarians before accession negotiations can proceed.
• The statement may have implications for North Macedonia's accession to the EU.

Topics

Related leaders

Uv

Ursula von der Leyen

🇪🇺 European Union · European Commission President

View profile