Prespa Agreement - Media Guidelines

Considering the recent change of the official name of North Macedonia, we would like to provide you with a guide to writing about our country in accordance with the Prespa Agreement. We kindly ask that you use the following terms: 

The official name of the country: “Republic of North Macedonia”; Short name: “North Macedonia”.

Nationality (citizenship): Macedonian/citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia. 

Official language: “Macedonian language”.

Country codes: MK and MKD.  

The adjective “Macedonian” is to be used when relating to ethnic and cultural identity of the people, our language, history, culture, heritage, territory and other attributes. Such terms in this context are distinctly different from those used and related to the region of Macedonia in Greece.

Correct examples: Macedonian ethnic identity; Macedonian language; Macedonian culture; Macedonian territory; Macedonian people; Macedonian history, Macedonian mountains; Macedonian literature; the Macedonian Cyrillic alphabet; Macedonian food; Macedonian churches etc. 

Incorrect: Other adjectival references, including “North Macedonian”, “Northern Macedonian”, “N. Macedonian” and “NorthMacedonian”, should not be used.  

The adjectival reference for the State, its official organs and other public entities as well as private entities and actors that are related to the State, are established by law, and enjoy financial support from State for activities abroad, should be: “of the Republic of North Macedonia” or “of North Macedonia”.  

Correct examples for State, its official organs and other public entities: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia; President of North Macedonia; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia; North Macedonia’s Defence Minister; North Macedonia’s Municipality of Ohrid; the University of St.” Cyril and Methodius” of North Macedonia

Incorrect: Other adjectival references, including “North Macedonian”, “Macedonian”, “Northern Macedonian”, “N. Macedonian” and “NorthMacedonian”, should not be used in all of the above cases.  

The adjectival reference for activities may also be “Macedonian”.   

Correct examples: The Macedonian Economy; the Health sector of the Republic of North Macedonia; Macedonian Art; Macedonian Music; Macedonian Agriculture; Macedonian Architecture; the Food Industry of North Macedonia etc.  

Incorrect: Other adjectival references, including “North Macedonian”, “Northern Macedonian”, “N. Macedonian” and “NorthMacedonian”, should not be used in all of the above cases.