An Outline of Serbian‑Macedonian Relations in the First Decade of 21st Century

Abstract

The first decade of the 21st century in Serbian‑Macedonian relations was characterized by significant number of problems which mostly influenced them in negative way. As both countries began to cooperate on eliminating one problem, many other problems emerged – an issue of recognizing independence of Kosovo and conflict between national churches. Political structures in both countries in the beginning of the studied period were not eager to compromise. Over time, as national issues in Serbia have lost their influence in favor of economic and as the MPC was consolidating its influence in Macedonian society (and as the threat from Ohrid Archdiocese was weakening), relations began to improve. It led to a paradoxical situation in which political leaders of both countries were appealing to clergymen to solve the conflict. Further perspectives for cooperation between Macedonia and Serbia look promising. Positive changes can be achieved through developing economic cooperation and maintaining close cultural and social ties which were not broken under influence of 1990s. On the other hand, different positions about the independence of Kosovo will still have negative impact on them, especially because of the hard line of Albanian minority in Macedonia. Also, the Albanian minority which is actively participating in the Macedonian government will not only indirectly influence the relations with Serbia (through close cooperation with Kosovo on the international level). Also, due to significant Albanian minority in the South Serbia it will continue to influence bilateral cooperation.