Since gaining independence, North Macedonia has prioritized integration into European and Atlantic institutions, maintaining good relations with its neighbors, and ensuring regional stability as key objectives in its foreign policy. However, the country’s international relations initially faced challenges, particularly due to the name dispute with Greece, which posed a major diplomatic obstacle in the early years.
Relations with Greece
Upon Macedonia’s independence in 1991, neighboring Greece strongly opposed the use of the name “Macedonia”, arguing that the term historically belonged to its northern region of Macedonia. This disagreement, known as the Macedonian Naming Dispute, became a major international issue. The Greek government maintained that the use of "Macedonia" by the newly independent state could threaten Greek national identity and might serve as a basis for territorial claims in the future. As a result, between 1991 and 1993, Greece refused to recognize the Republic of Macedonia under this name in any international forum and successfully blocked its membership in the United Nations (UN) until a temporary compromise was reached.
In 1993, under UN mediation, Macedonia was admitted to the UN under the provisional designation "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM). Despite this, tensions between the two countries continued throughout the 1990s, reaching a peak in 1994 when Greece imposed an economic embargo on Macedonia, causing severe economic difficulties. In 1995, a UN-mediated Interim Accord was signed, under which Greece agreed to lift the embargo and allowed Macedonia to participate in international organizations under the FYROM designation.
Regions Called Macedonia Today
As part of this agreement, Macedonia also changed its flag, removing the Vergina Sun, a symbol associated with ancient Macedonian heritage, which Greece claimed as part of its national identity. Despite these temporary resolutions, the name dispute remained unresolved until 2018, when after long negotiations, the Prespa Agreement was signed between North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Under this agreement, the country officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, while Greece agreed to recognize North Macedonian identity and language as Slavic in origin.
The Prespa Agreement was ratified by both parliaments in early 2019 and came into effect in February 2019. This marked a turning point in Skopje-Athens relations, leading to the lifting of Greek objections to North Macedonia’s NATO and EU accession processes. Since then, diplomatic representation between the two countries has been upgraded to the level of embassies, and economic cooperation has increased. Today, Greece supports North Macedonia’s EU membership, and both countries are engaged in joint projects in energy, trade, and infrastructure. However, certain nationalist elements in North Macedonia continue to criticize the agreement, arguing that it represents Greek interference in Macedonian history. Despite such political debates, the two governments have maintained their commitment to preserving the spirit of the Prespa Agreement.
Relations with Bulgaria
North Macedonia’s relations with Bulgaria, its eastern neighbor, have been shaped by both historical ties and political disagreements. Bulgaria was one of the first countries to recognize Macedonia’s independence in 1992, but later disputes arose, particularly regarding language and historical narratives. Bulgaria has historically claimed that the Macedonian language is a dialect of Bulgarian, while North Macedonia has insisted on the distinct identity of its language and culture.
In 2017, a Friendship Agreement was signed between the two countries, leading to the creation of a joint historical commission aimed at resolving disputes and fostering closer ties. However, in late 2020, Bulgaria vetoed North Macedonia’s EU accession talks, citing unresolved disputes over history and language. Diplomatic efforts mediated by the EU and France in 2022 resulted in a compromise: North Macedonia agreed to recognize the Bulgarian minority in its constitution, while Bulgaria lifted its veto on EU negotiations.
Although this agreement led to a temporary improvement in relations, domestic political opposition within North Macedonia viewed these concessions as problematic. Currently, North Macedonia and Bulgaria continue to collaborate in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and regional cooperation, but historical and linguistic disagreements remain sensitive issues.
Relations with Albania
Relations between North Macedonia and Albania have generally been cooperative and friendly. Both countries share similar foreign policy goals, particularly EU and NATO integration. The presence of a significant Albanian minority in North Macedonia has played an important role in bilateral relations. During the 2001 crisis, Albania supported mediation efforts between the North Macedonian government and ethnic Albanian insurgents, leading to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which granted greater rights to the Albanian minority in North Macedonia.
Both countries became NATO members (Albania in 2009 and North Macedonia in 2020) and have moved forward on EU accession processes. However, Bulgaria’s veto on North Macedonia’s EU accession talks also delayed Albania’s process, as the two countries were considered part of a joint accession package by the EU. Despite some frustrations in Albania regarding this delay, relations between the two countries remain stable, with ongoing cooperation in trade, energy transmission, and regional infrastructure projects, including the Adriatic-Ionian Highway.
Relations with Serbia and Kosovo
Relations between North Macedonia and Serbia have been largely shaped by their shared history within Yugoslavia. Initially, Serbia was reluctant to accept North Macedonia’s independence, but in 1996, Belgrade officially recognized the country. Since then, bilateral relations have remained stable, with economic and cultural ties strengthening over time.
A point of contention arose in 2008, when North Macedonia recognized the independence of Kosovo, a move that Serbia opposed. Despite Belgrade’s dissatisfaction, this did not significantly damage bilateral ties, and North Macedonia has maintained a balanced approach toward Serbia and Kosovo.
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Relations with Kosovo have been positive, as North Macedonia was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence. The two countries signed a border demarcation agreement in 2009, and North Macedonia has supported Kosovo’s stability by contributing to the NATO-led KFOR mission. Meanwhile, relations with Serbia continue in areas such as electricity trade, road and railway connections, and regional cooperation initiatives.
Relations with the European Union and NATO
North Macedonia’s primary foreign policy goal has been EU membership. The country applied for EU membership in 2004 and was granted candidate status in 2005. However, the Greek naming dispute and later the Bulgarian veto delayed the opening of accession negotiations. In July 2022, following an EU-brokered agreement with Bulgaria, North Macedonia officially began its EU membership negotiations. The country is currently undergoing reforms in governance, the judiciary, and anti-corruption measures as part of the accession process.
Although public support for EU membership has traditionally been strong, delays in the accession process have led to growing frustration.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia successfully joined NATO on March 27, 2020, becoming the alliance’s 30th member. This milestone was achieved after the Prespa Agreement resolved Greece’s objections. As a NATO member, North Macedonia has participated in missions such as the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and Afghanistan’s Resolute Support Mission and has pledged to increase its defense budget to 2% of GDP by 2024.
Relations with Turkey
Relations between Turkey and North Macedonia have strong historical, cultural, and economic foundations. Due to the five-century-long Ottoman rule in the region, North Macedonia still retains many Ottoman-era structures, and a significant Turkish community with historical ties to Turkey resides in the country. Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize North Macedonia’s independence in 1991, and formal diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
Political Relations
Turkey has consistently supported North Macedonia’s independence and its recognition on the international stage. During the name dispute with Greece, Turkey diplomatically backed North Macedonia, recognizing it as the "Republic of Macedonia" from the beginning and continuing to use this name. Even after the Prespa Agreement in 2019, when the country officially changed its name to North Macedonia, Turkey maintained its support for its territorial integrity and political stability.
Turkey has also been a strong advocate of North Macedonia’s integration into NATO and the European Union (EU). When North Macedonia joined NATO as a full member on March 27, 2020, Turkey played a key role in facilitating this process. Turkey also supported North Macedonia’s EU candidate status in 2005, but membership negotiations have been delayed, particularly due to historical and cultural disputes with Bulgaria.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries are conducted through the Turkish Embassy in Skopje and the North Macedonian Embassy in Ankara. Regular high-level visits and meetings between presidents and prime ministers continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
Economic and Trade Relations
Economic relations between Turkey and North Macedonia gained momentum with the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2000. Turkey is one of the largest investors in North Macedonia, particularly in banking, construction, industry, logistics, energy, and telecommunications. Many Turkish companies have established investments in North Macedonia, contributing to its labor market and economic development.
The trade volume between the two countries has steadily increased. Turkey’s main exports to North Macedonia include automotive parts, textiles, electronics, construction materials, and food products. North Macedonia’s main exports to Turkey consist of iron and steel products, tobacco, and agricultural goods.
Turkey has also supported numerous infrastructure projects in North Macedonia. Turkish construction firms have contributed to projects such as the modernization of Skopje’s airport. Furthermore, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has implemented various projects in education, healthcare, and cultural heritage preservation.
Cultural and Educational Cooperation
Cultural ties between Turkey and North Macedonia remain strong. Many Ottoman-era structures are preserved in cities such as Skopje, Tetovo, Bitola, and Ohrid. Turkey actively supports the restoration of Ottoman heritage sites in North Macedonia through TİKA and the Yunus Emre Institute. These institutions also promote Turkish language courses and cultural events.
Cooperation in education continues to grow. Many North Macedonian students receive scholarships to study in Turkey, while Turkish schools in North Macedonia provide Turkish-language education. Cities such as Skopje, Tetovo, and Gostivar have Turkish language and literature departments in their universities.
The International Balkan University (IBU) in Skopje, established with Turkish support, has become a major higher education institution, bringing together Turkish and North Macedonian students.
Military and Defense Cooperation
Military cooperation between Turkey and North Macedonia has been ongoing for many years. Turkey has provided training, equipment, and technical support to the North Macedonian Armed Forces. Many North Macedonian officers receive military education at Turkish Armed Forces academies and training programs.
During North Macedonia’s NATO accession process, Turkey provided logistical and operational support. Turkey also conducts joint military exercises with North Macedonia within the NATO framework, contributing to regional security and stability.
Turkish Community in North Macedonia
North Macedonia is home to a significant Turkish minority, who have lived in the region since Ottoman times. The Turkish population is concentrated in cities such as Skopje, Gostivar, Tetovo, and Radoviş. According to the 2021 census, approximately 80,000 Turks live in North Macedonia.
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The Turkish community actively participates in North Macedonia’s political, economic, and cultural life. Political organizations such as the Turkish Democratic Party (TDP) represent Turkish minority rights in the parliament.
Strategic Importance of Turkey-North Macedonia Relations
Relations between Turkey and North Macedonia are based on historical ties, cultural heritage, political cooperation, and economic partnerships. Turkey plays a key role in supporting North Macedonia’s stability and integration into international organizations. Turkey’s Balkan policy continues to emphasize regional peace and stability, with North Macedonia being a strategic partner in this framework.
