The settlement of the Greek-Macedonian naming dispute: the Prespa agreement

Abstract

: This article examines the reconciliation phase of the Greek-Macedonian conflict known as the Macedonia naming dispute which commenced in late 1991. After a brief reference of other geographical naming disputes almost all of which were resolved amicably or by default, it is made clear that the impetus for this conflict settlement came from Skopje and not Athens. But at that juncture both sides genuinely wanted to clinch a deal, though for different reasons (which are referred to). Then the focus is on the negation process, based on the existing evidence (although more evidence is probably around the corner in the years to come), the sticking points that had to be overcome, the mutual compromises and sacrifices that had to be made, which were far more for the Macedonian side, however unjust this may have been. The final agreement was clearly lop-sided in favour of Greece which made the utmost of the fact that Macedonia (now North Macedonia) was keen to join the Euro-Atlantic institutions, for security and other vital reasons. The article concludes by expressing the hope that what is undoubtedly an asymmetric agreement would, in the years to come, become more balanced and positive sum through its implementation that would benefit both parties.