The drive to forge a new identity, as heir to the world of Classical Antiquity, creates identity crisis at home and worsens tensions with neighbours.
The friendly tone used by the leaders of both Greece and Macedonia does not mean solution to the name dispute is any nearer, experts warn.
Lack of progress over the name dispute with Greece once again dashed Skopje’s chances of getting a green light for a start of EU membership talks.
Stalled reforms and rising ethnic tension are stiffening Brussels’ reluctance to offer Macedonia a start date for membership talks, whether or not it solves the ‘name’ dispute with Greece.
The 20th anniversary celebrations of Macedonia’s ruling party came at a moment when the country was experiencing yet another shattering defeat at the gates to the EU.
New British Ambassador to Macedonia Takes Office
Skopje | 10 August 2010
Britain's new ambassador to Macedonia has taken office in Skopje, pledging support for the country's reforms as it seeks to join the EU and NATO.
Sinisa Jakov MarusicMacedonia 'Should Play Better than French Footballers'
Skopje | 23 July 2010
Pierre Lellouche
Macedonia should play smart if it wants to join the EU and NATO soon, visiting French Minister of European Affairs Pierre Lellouche told media in Skopje.
Sinisa Jakov Marusic'No Progress' in Macedonia Name Talks
Skopje | 16 July 2010
Spiric and Gruevski in Sarajevo (FoNet)
No progress has been made in the Athens-Skopje name spat despite the more frequent contacts with the UN mediator in the dispute, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski has said.
No Euroscepticism In Macedonia, Vice PM Says
Skopje | 15 July 2010
Vasko Naumovski
There is no Euroscepticism in Macedonia, but rather significant support for EU membership, Macedonian Vice Prime Minister in charge of EU affairs Vasko Naumovski told media at a ceremony in Skopje.
Sinisa Jakov MarusicMacedonia Survey Raises Euroscepticism Concern
Skopje | 14 July 2010
The survey showed Macedonians are less enthusiastic about the EU
The vast majority of Macedonian citizens want to see their country become a member of the European Union, EU ambassador Erwan Fouere told media in Skopje in reaction to a recent opinion poll showing support for the EU is falling in the country.
Sinisa Jakov MarusicPoll: Macedonians Opt For Name Over EU, NATO
Skopje | 13 July 2010
Skopje
The preservation of Macedonia’s name is more important than the country's EU and NATO membership, the latest public opinion poll commissioned by Macedonia’s Secretariat for European Affairs, SEA, shows.
Sinisa Jakov MarusicBelgium to Help Resolve Macedonia-Greece Row
Brussels | 07 July 2010
Yves Leterme presents Belgium's EU presidency programme in June
The Belgian EU presidency is willing to help facilitate an agreement between Macedonia and Greece on the name dispute in order to make the start of accession talks between Skopje and Brussels possible.
EC: Macedonia Must Boost Reforms
Skopje | 30 June 2010
Stefan Fuele
Macedonia must boost reforms in several areas if it hopes not to spoil last year’s positive report from the European Commission that contained a recommendation for the start of its EU accession talks.
Sinisa Jakov MarusicNo Snap Polls, Macedonian PM Says
Skopje | 29 June 2010
Nikola Gruevski (FoNet photo)
There will not be any snap polls in the country after November’s NATO summit, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told local media in response to opposition calls for early elections.
Sinisa Jakov MarusicMacedonian Opposition Rallies For Snap Polls
Skopje | 28 June 2010
Branko Crvenkovski at the rally (FoNet photo)
Macedonia’s biggest opposition party, the Social Democrats, along with thousands of supporters, began its battle for early general elections at a rally on Sunday evening in front of the government building in Skopje.
