Croatian MEP invites angry Greeks to join ‘Friends of Macedonia’

The creation of an informal 'Friends of Macedonia' group in the European Parliament was met with strong reactions from several Greek MEPs.

The informal group was first formed during the 2009-2014 mandate of the parliament and is composed of MEPs from various political groups who are supporters of the European integration path of the Balkan country. Its objectve is to increase FYR Macedonia's visibility with the chamber.

The initiative was met with strong reactions from the vast majority of Greece's MEPs, by sending letters of complaint to the parliament's president, Martin Schulz. Greece has blocked any EU accession talks with FYR Macedonia based on an unsolved name dispute of the Balkan's territoy official name.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Greece tells Macedonia it must 'accept European values' http://www.europeansources.info/record/greece-tells-macedonia-it-must-accept-european-values/

ESO: Background information: Greek troubles prompt Macedonia NATO push http://www.europeansources.info/record/greek-troubles-prompt-macedonia-nato-push/

EurActiv, 26.01.17: Tajani infuriates Greece with ‘Macedonia’ comment http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/tajani-infuriates-greece-with-macedonia-comments/

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