North Macedonia’s parliament moves forward with NATO membership

·

Members of North Macedonian parliament, on Tuesday, unanimously ratified an agreement to make their country a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

All 114 lawmakers present in the 120-seat parliament voted in favor, with none against or abstaining. 

“By joining this alliance, we are not simply joining an international organization,” Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski told lawmakers ahead of the vote. “Membership of the world’s most powerful military-political alliance is a privilege, but also a huge responsibility.”

A NATO flag was raised in front of the parliament building during the short ceremony. 

North Macedonia’s entry into the world’s most powerful military alliance had been blocked by Greece for a decade over a name dispute.

But Athens dropped its opposition after the Prespes agreement, which concluded Macedonia would change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia.

The country was previously known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or simply Macedonia for short — a name it shared with a Greek province on its border, with both areas part of the historical region of Macedonia.

In return for renaming the country North Macedonia, Greece agreed to drop its objections to its neighbour joining NATO and the EU.

Sourced via DW.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘The Aegean’ film in the mix for the 2025 AACTA Awards

The Australian independent film The Aegean is making waves in the 2025 AACTA Awards, securing nominations in major categories.

Labor’s Helen Politis elected Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek City Council

Labor's Helen Politis has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek, marking a significant step for the seasoned community advocate.

Mario Christodoulou to executive produce ABC’s Media Watch

Award-winning investigative reporter Mario Christodoulou will become executive producer on the ABC's Media Watch program.

Socialist PASOK becomes Greece’s main opposition party as SYRIZA collapses

Left-wing Syriza party has lost its position as Greece's main opposition group after a wave of defections on Thursday, November 21.

80-year-old sole resident of Kinaros island gifted donkey as a companion

The sole resident of Greece's remote Kinaros island - 80-year-old Mrs Rinio - recently received an unexpected gift in the form of a donkey.

You May Also Like

Over 100 Greek Australians release statement against Golden Dawn ahead of trial verdict

A statement condemning the acts of neo-Nazi party, Golden Dawn, has been signed by Greek Australians from across the country.

Patricia Karvelas to leave ABC Radio National breakfast show

After three years, Patricia Karvelas has announced her departure from her hosting position at ABC Radio National’s flagship Breakfast program.

Greek cultural display returns to Burwood’s Fuse Fest

Fuse Fest - Celebrating a Diverse and Connected World - takes place on Sunday, May 28 in the Burwood Park Pavilion, Burwood Park in Sydney.