Greek parliament ratifies NATO Accesion Protocol with Republic of North Macedonia

Greece's parliament on Friday ratified a NATO accord with the Republic of North Macedonia. The newly-named Republic of North Macedonia earlier this week signed an accession pact with NATO, which began its membership process.

Politicians late on Friday voted 153-140 to back the Nato protocol that must now also be approved by all other alliance members.

The Greek vote means the former Yugoslav republic will now formally change its name to North Macedonia.

Greece's approval, by a slim majority, came after the two countries settled the dispute by agreeing to change the country's name from the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" to the "Republic of North Macedonia". Greece had previously used its veto rights to block Skopje's attempts to join the alliance because of a long-running dispute between the neighbouring countries.

"I feel we did our patriotic duty. We did what is right," Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras told parliament. “I would like to again welcome North Macedonia, a country that is friendly toward Greece, a country that must be a supporter, and not an opponent, of our efforts to establish safety, stability, and cooperation in the wider region,” Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras told parliament shortly before the vote. “Clearly it is in Greece’s interest to promote a European course for all its neighbours, not just for North Macedonia — and not (back) the influence of third forces in the neighbourhood, with different aspirations and pursuits,” Mr Tsipras said.  

After signing the accord with this week, North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said the resolution had "proven that we can assume our responsibility, face a problem, and resolve those problems."