Serbia and North Macedonia's Foreign Policy Relations: A Complex Path to Reconciliation

In a report published by the Srpska Politicka Misao, researchers from the Institute of European Studies in Belgrade, Serbia have analyzed the foreign policy relations between Serbia and North Macedonia from 2006 to 2025. The study aims to understand the historical background, current state, and future prospects of the complex relationship between the two nations. The research highlights the impact of national identity, shared cultural heritage, and economic ties on the bilateral relations, which have been marked by periods of tension and cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

• The foreign policy relations between Serbia and North Macedonia are highly complex due to issues of national and spiritual identity, as well as a shared cultural heritage.
• The two countries experienced a significant turning point in 2022 with the recognition of the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
• The accession of North Macedonia to NATO in 2020 and the change of government in Skopje in 2017 have not significantly impacted the warming of relations between the two countries.
• Economic ties and interdependence have played a crucial role in the development of bilateral relations between Serbia and North Macedonia.
• Humanitarian cooperation has been a key factor in strengthening relations between the two countries.
• The recognition of the secession of Albanian separatists in Pristina in 2008 remains a sensitive issue in the bilateral relations.
• Participation in joint programs and initiatives has been an important aspect of the economic ties between Serbia and North Macedonia.

Statistics:

• The period of dissolution of the former common state between Serbia and North Macedonia was marked by very poor bilateral relations, which culminated in Skopje's recognition of the secession of Albanian separatists in Pristina in 2008.
• In recent years, relations between Serbia and North Macedonia have been warming on both the political and economic fronts.
• The recognition of the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church by the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2022 marked a significant turning point in the bilateral relations.
• The accession of North Macedonia to NATO in 2020 and the change of government in Skopje in 2017 have not had a significant impact on the warming of relations between the two countries.

Sources:

• Foreign policy relations between Serbia and North Macedonia 2006-2025. Srpska Politicka Misao, 2025, 92(4): 95-113. doi: 10.5937/spm92-58190
• Ilic Dusan, Institute of European Studies, Belgrade, Serbia.