(28 January 2019) – European Union leaders warmly welcomed the historic ratification by the Greek parliament on Friday (25 January) of the North Macedonia name change deal, the so-called Prespa Agreement, putting an end to a 27-year conflict in the Balkans.
.“They had imagination, they took the risk, they were ready to sacrifice their own interests for the greater good. Zoran, Alexis – well done! Mission impossible accomplished,” President of EU Council Donald Tusk tweeted.
A majority of 153 lawmakers in the 300-seat chamber endorsed the deal, which should unlock North Macedonia’s NATO accession and help it open EU membership talks. Several centre-left lawmakers supported Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ leftist Syriza party.
Greece has long objected to its northern neighbour being called Macedonia because it has its own northern province of the same name. (EurActiv)