Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the agreement concerning the future name of the Republic of North Macedonia; and what representations they are making to encourage all six western Balkan states to cooperate more closely and to work towards free movement of people, goods and capital.

The Government congratulates Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on reaching an historic agreement on the Name Issue. Agreement on this long-running issue is a significant achievement which would not have been possible without their leadership, commitment and political courage. Resolution of the Name Issue will bring significant opportunities for both countries and the region more widely, including increased prosperity and security.

One of the themes of the Western Balkans Summit in London on 10 July will be strengthening economic stability and opportunity in the region, with a particular focus on improving the business environment, stimulating entrepreneurship, addressing youth unemployment and promoting regional inter-connectivity. This builds on the Western Balkans Regional Economic Area Action Plan, agreed in 2017, which aims to remove barriers to trade and strengthen the regional market.