The S&D Group welcomes the outcome of today’s vote in which Greek parliamentarians have supported the historic Prespa Agreement reached in June by Prime Ministers Zaev and Tsipras on the name of North Macedonia. Parliamentarians in Skopje approved the constitutional amendments to adopt the new name already two weeks ago. For the deal to go through, the change must have also been approved by Greek members of parliament.

S&D Group president Udo Bullmann said:

“Now we will finally be able to say: Welcome to the Republic of North Macedonia."

Today's success is a proof that progressive political forces are able to solve long-standing disagreements and make difficult compromises which nationalists or conservatives had not been able to do in almost three decades. I hereby congratulate Prime Ministers Zaev and Tsipras for this historic agreement that will now enter into force.

“I am aware of the enormous tensions ahead of today’s vote in Greece. Yes, it was a difficult compromise. I praise all Greek parliamentarians who voted for the change of the name of their neighbouring country to North Macedonia. They proved that the future of their country and good neighbourly relations are more important than short-term gains in polls.

“I call on the member states to prove that those who make difficult compromises are rewarded, and invite Skopje to start the accession negotiations with the European Union in June 2019.”

S&D spokesperson on foreign affairs and European Parliament mediator for the Sobranie, the parliament in Skopje, Knut Fleckenstein added:

“I commend the Greek parliamentarians who approved the Prespa Agreement for their maturity and the sense of responsibility. I particularly appreciate Alexis Tsipras' leadership in discussions over the Prespa Agreement - that he has not let himself be lulled by those in Greece who are yearning after old nationalist symbols instead of looking into a peaceful European future.

“By approving the agreement, both parliamentarians in Skopje and Athens supported the region's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, that were blocked for far too long. What is even more important is that they decided they want the relations between two neighbouring countries to normalise. I am sure this will open great opportunities not only for their respective economies but will intensify contacts between the people of both countries. Once people meet and talk, we can begin to heal all remaining disagreements or divisions. With impatience, I wait to see the opening of the Greek Embassy in Skopje.”

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