SKOPJE, North Macedonia -- Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova made history as the first female president of North Macedonia but stirred immediate controversy at her inauguration ceremony by referring to the country by its pre-agreement name, 'Macedonia.' The move has relit a simmering diplomatic dispute with Greece and called into question the nation's relationship with the European Union.

Her use of 'Macedonia' instead of the official 'North Macedonia' prompted the Greek Ambassador to Skopje to walk out of the ceremony. In response, the Greek Foreign Ministry underscored that such actions contravene the Prespa Agreement forged between the two countries in 2018, thereby endangering North Macedonia's EU accession process. Underlining the contentious history, Greece accuses its neighbor of appropriating the Greek name and heritage of the ancient kingdom, reigniting fears over regional stability and EU diplomatic relations.

Following a sweeping victory by the center-right opposition grouping to which Siljanovska-Davkova belongs, her decision not to use 'North Macedonia' during the swearing-in has sparked debate over national identity, regional relations, and the implications for EU membership—a critical aspect of Balkan regional politics.

Despite calls for unity and promises to foster a more inclusive society, particularly highlighting the role of women, her omission has plunged the young country into a new crisis with its southern neighbor. Greece and North Macedonia had previously achieved a historic compromise on the name dispute, which cleared a path for North Macedonia's NATO membership, and now the present actions threaten this delicate balance.

International reactions have been swift, with EU officials emphasizing the necessity of honoring existing legally binding agreements such as the Prespa accord. Siljanovska-Davkova's accession and potentially nationalist stance pose the risk of renewed tensions not only with Greece but also with Bulgaria, which sets its own conditions for North Macedonia's EU accession talks.

The political drama unfolding in the Balkans is a stark reminder of the complexities within this European region, challenging EU diplomatic norms and testing the boundaries of international agreements. Amid the resurgence of nationalist sentiment, the road to EU integration appears fraught with obstacles for North Macedonia's new leadership.