In a recent statement, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien hinted at Washington’s pressure on the new government of North Macedonia to uphold the Prespa name agreement signed with Greece in 2018. The US aims to ensure that North Macedonia respects the agreement, as mentioned during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the future of Europe.
O’Brien addressed concerns expressed by leaders of the Western Balkans at the recent NATO Summit in Washington regarding the slow progress of their EU accession negotiations. He emphasized the need for North Macedonia to maintain the agreement with Greece and strive for a beneficial relationship with its neighbors, including Albania.
Regarding EU accession, O’Brien stressed the necessity for these countries to implement necessary reforms and proposed alternative pathways to the single market before joining the EU. Athens has warned Skopje about its EU membership prospects due to breaches in the name accord.