Historic name deal between Greece and North Macedonia a victory for peace

Today, the Greek Parliament has just voted to ratify the historic Prespas name deal between Greece and the now-called Republic of North Macedonia. The Balkan country, which has been using the name Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) since its independence from Yugoslavia due to a long-standing dispute with Greece, will now be able to proceed with European integration.

Ska Keller, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament and lead candidate of the European Green Party for the EU elections, comments:  

"This historic agreement is a victory for peace in the region. Having overcome huge obstacles, the Prespes name deal opens the door to a European future for North Macedonia and cements peace between the two countries. Both Prime Ministers Alexis Tsipras and Zoran Zaev must be commended for their pragmatic and courageous efforts to resolve the name dispute."

Philippe Lamberts, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, comments:  

"The rest of the Western Balkans should take note of the work of the Greek and North Macedonian governments as a model for cooperation in the region. The Republic of North Macedonia's European aspirations must be given the support and political backing they deserve from the European Union as well a credible roadmap to EU membership. The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament will always support efforts to bring the Western Balkan countries to their rightful place at the heart of the European Union."