Macedonia prepares for name change by removing signs

IN SKOPJE, Macedonia Authorities in Macedonia have begun removing official signs from government buildings to prepare for its new name: North Macedonia. “Government of the Republic of Macedonia” signs were removed from the country’s main government building early Monday in the capital Skopje

Workers dismantle metal fencing from the front of the Macedonia’s Government in the capital Skopje, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. Dozens of workers have started dismantling the metal fence around the Macedonian government buildings, seen as symbolic move to eradicate divisions in the country and to devalue former conservative government extravaganza.

The small Balkan country will change its name to North Macedonia after reaching a landmark agreement over the summer with neighboring Greece, which has a neighboring province called Macedonia. Macedonia is due to become a NATO member now that Greece’s parliament approved a measure Friday that would allow the country to join the alliance. Previously, Greece had blocked Macedonia’s accession to NATO.

Macedonia will now publish the deal with Greece in its government gazette so that it’s officially enshrined in law.