North Macedonia's European Journey: Upholding the Prespa Agreement
- Pavlos Marinakis, spokesperson of the Greek Government, stated that North Macedonia's journey to Europe relies on the respect for the Prespa Agreement.
- Marinakis emphasized Greece's unwavering position that adherence to this agreement remains non-negotiable.
- He reiterated that the current Greek ruling party, New Democracy, had previously opposed the Prespa Agreement when in opposition, yet acknowledged its legally binding nature.
On October 18, 2024, in Thessaloniki, Greece, the spokesperson for the Greek Government, Pavlos Marinakis, addressed the importance of the Prespa Agreement for North Macedonia’s aspirations to join the European Union. This announcement was made during a press briefing, reiterating the firm stance of the Greek Government regarding the agreement. Marinakis conveyed that compliance with the Prespa Agreement is a condition for North Macedonia's pathway to Europe. During the briefing, Marinakis responded to inquiries about the EU integration process of North Macedonia and the potential for a meeting between the prime ministers of Greece and North Macedonia. He emphasized the current government's unwavering commitment to the principles established by the Prespa Agreement and stated that this position reflects Greece's national interests. Moreover, Marinakis pointed out the historical context of the Greek ruling party, New Democracy, which opposed the Prespa Agreement during its time in opposition. This opposition, however, did not alter the party’s acknowledgment of the agreement's validity after its adoption, affirming that such agreements cannot be rescinded once they become law. Ultimately, the statements made by Marinakis illustrate the Greek Government's strategic prioritization of the Prespa Agreement as a crucial element of North Macedonia’s European integration journey, suggesting that respect for international accords remains an essential requirement in regional diplomacy.