A question to the European Commission was submitted by PASOK MEPs, Giannis Maniatis and Sakis Arnaoutoglou, on the occasion of the statements by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during her recent visit to North Macedonia.
During her visit to North Macedonia, they state in their question, she declared:"We welcome North Macedonia with its identity and its language. We believe that the Macedonian culture and language can only make our Union richer. Because our motto is 'diversity in unity'. And we take it very seriously."
The two PASOK MEPs emphasize that “ North Macedonia’s European perspective presupposes respect for good neighborly relations” and point out that “the use of the term "Macedonian culture", without clarification, raises questions as to the interpretation and compatibility of the wording with international obligations and the obligation for good neighborly relations”.
They also ask the European Commission “what the president means by the terms "identity" and "Macedonian culture";. Also, “ does it consider that the use of "Macedonian culture" without a geographical or other qualifier is consistent with the need to avoid confusion between Greek culture, the culture and history of the region of Macedonia from antiquity to the present day and that of the Republic of North Macedonia?”
Furthermore, “does it intend to ensure that in the statements of the European institutions terminology will be used that respects good neighborly relations, international agreements, including the Prespa Agreement, and leaves no room for irredentist or historically misleading interpretations?”
SOURCE: ANA