EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AS NEW NATIONAL MYTHOLOGY: ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE MACEDONIAN NAME DISPUTE

Abstract

The paper examines the effect that the resolution of the naming dispute between North Macedonia and Greece has on the re-definition of the Macedonian nation. It discusses the narratives of supporters and opponents to the Prespa Agreement and poses the question of whether the European integration (under which auspices the name change occurred) has indeed served as new national mythology for Macedonians. KEYWORDS: North Macedonia, Greece, Zaev, national identity, national mythology, Western Balkans, populism, European integration.