Macedonia to change its name to resolve dispute with Greece

ATHENS, Greece — Macedonia agreed to change its name to resolve a decades-old dispute with Greece, the two countries said Tuesday, and Greece said it would drop its objection to the neighboring country’s entry into the European Union and NATO if the changes are formally adopted.

Greece’s prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, said the country’s new name will be Severna Makedonija, or Republic of North Macedonia. Greece had long opposed the name “Macedonia,” saying it implied territorial aspirations over a northern Greek region of the same name.

“I am deeply convinced that the agreement is a diplomatic success and a historic opportunity,” Tsipras said. He called it a “historic moment for the Balkans and our nations” and said it “opens a window to solidarity, friendship cooperation, prosperity and mutual growth.”