Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of North Macedonia has reignited tensions over the country’s designation as “North Macedonia” during a visit to the United States for President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Greek daily To Vima reported.

Mickoski’s remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which considers the issue settled under the 2018 Prespa Agreement.

Challenging the Prespa Agreement

Speaking at a church in Totowa, New Jersey, Mickoski said, “We need to start winning in Washington, Brussels, Berlin, London, Paris, Rome if we want the Macedonian issue to finally arrive at its conclusion. Our issue is not settled. It’s been smoldering for centuries and it still exists,” according to Republika.

The Greek MFA responded with a strongly worded statement. “The Prime Minister of North Macedonia’s remarks constitute a provocation against Greece, as they attempt to bring back to the forefront an issue that has been definitively and irrevocably resolved. Further progress in bilateral relations and North Macedonia’s European trajectory depend on full respect for the Prespa Agreement and the abstention from irredentist declarations,” the statement read.

The Prespa Agreement, signed in 2018, resolved a decades-long dispute by adding “North” to the country’s official name, enabling its accession to NATO and furthering European Union aspirations.

U.S. Visit and Political Context

Mickoski’s trip to the U.S. coincided with Trump’s inauguration, where he was reportedly among the few European leaders in attendance. According to Republika, the visit was facilitated in part by Rumble, a video platform owned by North Macedonian-Canadian businessman Chris Pavlovski. Pavlovski, estimated to be worth $1.2 billion by Forbes, is seen as a Trump ally and has made significant investments in the U.S. tech sector.

Mickoski’s itinerary included meetings with prominent conservative figures, such as Tucker Carlson, Dan Bongino, and Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media Group and an incoming intelligence adviser to President Trump.

Domestic and International Fallout

Domestically, the opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) accused Mickoski of prioritizing nationalist rhetoric over addressing pressing domestic issues. “Instead of focusing on the citizens’ urgent needs, Mickoski is engaging in a highly paid PR farce,” an SDSM spokesperson said.

Internationally, analysts warn that Mickoski’s comments could undermine the Prespa Agreement, threatening regional stability and North Macedonia’s European ambitions. To Vima highlighted concerns that Greece-North Macedonia relations may face renewed strain if Mickoski’s stance escalates.

The Prime Minister’s remarks are seen as an appeal to nationalist sentiments but risk alienating key international allies and complicating North Macedonia’s path toward European integration.