Greece demands changes to North Macedonian school textbooks

Greece has called for changes to North Macedonian school textbooks, alleging that certain historical formulations and the use of the name ‘Macedonia’ instead of ‘North Macedonia’ violate the Prespa Agreement and the Greek Constitution.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou stated in Parliament that the country seeks the removal of terms considered revisionist or irredentist. Specific concerns were raised regarding sixth-grade materials that use phrases such as ‘Alexander the Macedonian’ and descriptions of a ‘subjugated and tortured homeland.’

Greek officials emphasize that the Prespa Agreement distinguishes between the contemporary Macedonian identity and the ancient Greek heritage associated with figures like Alexander the Great and Philip II. The dispute has prompted calls for the Greek government to engage the Joint Interdisciplinary Expert Commission to address these discrepancies.