The transformation of Macedonia into North Macedonia: The role of Prespa Agreement

Following the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991, North Macedonia declared its independence and has faced a name dispute since then. For Greece, the newly established neighboring country's use of the name "Macedonia" became a source of concern. This diplomatic disagreement primarily focused on historical and cultural heritage. Greece perceived the use of "Macedonia," which is also the name of one of its northern regions, as well as the association of the new state's historical ties with the Kingdom of Macedonia, as a threat to its own historical and cultural heritage (M. İmıl, 2019). This crisis complicated North Macedonia's international identity-building process. In an effort to resolve the dispute, the Prespa Agreement was signed in 2018, officially renaming the country as "North Macedonia." The agreement also addressed other issues that could help end Greece's disputes with the country. The name change introduced by the Prespa Agreement is considered a significant step in North Macedonia's identity-building process. Additionally, the agreement aimed to accelerate North Macedonia's accession to NATO and the European Union while promoting regional stability. The Prespa Agreement is regarded as a major diplomatic achievement, intended to resolve a longstanding dispute and improve relations in the region. However, it has sparked political debates and societal polarization within North Macedonia. The analysis of the post-agreement period and its impact on public opinion highlights the importance of this thesis. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the effects of the name change on EU accession processes through public opinion. In this context, the process of renaming Macedonia as North Macedonia and the Prespa Agreement will be examined comprehensively.