Radojkovic: North Macedonia will adjust its course - better relations with Belgrade, distance from Pristina

Historian Stefan Radojkovic has assessed that the new government of North Macedonia will contribute more than the previous one to improving relations with Serbia. However, he also expects that Skopje will likely tighten relations with Athens and create a certain distance from Pristina.

Nevertheless, he notes that there will not be any extreme shifts in policy regarding the region, considering that North Macedonia is already a member of NATO and a candidate for EU membership.

"On the other hand, the new government reflects a new trend in Europe, not only here in the Balkan region but also more broadly, where there is a slow shift from left and center-left parties towards the right center or a more conservative political spectrum. In this sense, North Macedonia is no exception. What is new, at least in terms of domestic politics, is that for the first time we have a party that is a coalition partner of VMRO-DPMNE, and that is the 'Znam' coalition, which represents the Serbian national minority in North Macedonia," Radojkovic stated for Kosovo Online.

He added that the Albanian national community is still represented, as in previous governments, but now it is a less significant partner in the current setup.

According to him, the "ship of North Macedonia" will begin to slowly correct its course.

"If not in foreign policy, then certainly in domestic policy, the new government will show greater sensitivity not only to the Albanian national community but also to other national communities in North Macedonia," Radojkovic assesses.

Speaking about the new government of North Macedonia's relations with its neighbors, primarily Belgrade and Pristina, the historian says that certain changes can be expected in these relationships.

"There will be some nuances and changes; better relations with Belgrade are expected, significantly better compared to the previous government, given the fact that Serbia and North Macedonia do not have major bilateral disputes. What can be expected is increased tension with Athens, and regarding Pristina, there will be some distancing. Relations with the Pristina administration cannot be completely severed, which is guaranteed by the minority partner in the coalition government representing the Albanian community, but there will now be more distance and conditions. It is expected that Belgrade's positions will slowly be acknowledged because it maintains good bilateral relations with Skopje and anticipates improved cooperation," Radojkovic concluded.