Greece: Vote on Macedonia name change January 24; protests likely /update 2

Event

The vote on Macedonia name change is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 24. As such, demonstrations over the issue are possible, notably in the capital Athens, and most specifically around the Parliament building where the vote is due to take place on Thursday. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated near the demonstrations.

Context

The Greek Parliament is set to vote on the ratification of the Prespa Agreement, which, if approved, would recognize Macedonia's name change to the Republic of North Macedonia. The Macedonian parliament ratified the agreement in June 2018. The change is intended to end a 27-year-long dispute with Greece over the name and clear the way for Macedonia's entry to the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The name change has been controversial in both Greece and Macedonia, spurring demonstrations in both countries.

On January 20, a "Macedonia is Greece" demonstration took place in Athens to protest the name change.

Advice

Individuals located in Greece are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution.