[20190219]IN10977_马其顿更名更接近加入北约.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i Macedonia Changes Name, Moves Closer to NATO Membership Sarah E. Garding Analyst in Balkan and Southeast Europe Affairs Updated February 19, 2019 On February 12, 2019, Macedonia formally changed its name to become the Republic of North Macedonia. The name change resolves a long-standing dispute with Greece and is expected to clear the path for North Macedonia to become NATOs 30th member. U.S. and European Union (EU) officials believe NATO enlargement to the Western Balkans could help stabilize the region and counter Russian influence. Many Members of Congress have long supported Macedonias Euro-Atlantic integration. Prespa Agreement with Greece North Macedonias NATO membership bid was delayed due to a nearly three-decade bilateral dispute with neighboring Greece over Macedonias name. The dispute stems from Macedonias 1991 declaration of independence from Yugoslavia as the Republic of Macedonia. From Greeces perspective, the new republics use of the name Macedonia implied territorial ambitions toward Greeces northern province of Macedonia and a broader claim to ancient Macedonias cultural heritage. In resp