Greek MPs question sixth‑grade North Macedonia textbook in parliament
Deputy foreign minister said the Joint Interdisciplinary Expert Commission must address terminology and historical attributions.
Greek MPs raised questions in the Hellenic Parliament about a Macedonian-language textbook for sixth grade used in North Macedonia after a question was put to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, who previously served as Greece’s ambassador in Skopje.
The exchange was prompted by Gjorgos Runtas, a lawmaker from the right-wing Niki party, who said the textbook contains references to "a homeland that has always been enslaved and tormented" and that Alexander the Great is presented as "Alexander Macedonian" without differentiating between the ancient and the modern Macedonian identity. Runtas asked what actions Greece would take within the Joint Interdisciplinary Expert Commission to remove such references.
Papadopoulou replied that schoolbooks are approved by the education ministries of each country, but stressed that Greece continues to press for an accurate presentation of historical facts, precise terminology and correct national attribution for historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Philip II.
Prespa Agreement and the role of the Joint Commission
She reminded MPs that the Greek character of ancient Macedonia and the features of ancient Greek civilization are addressed in Articles 7 and 8 of the Prespa Agreement, and said that ensuring those elements are reflected in textbooks is the responsibility of the Joint Interdisciplinary Expert Commission. Papadopoulou added that the Greek side exerts "all diplomatic pressure available" in that forum.
Runtas countered that if the Commission had done its work properly there would be no need for parliamentary intervention. Papadopoulou noted that the Commission meets at least twice a year, alternating between Athens and Skopje, and that the last session took place in Athens in May 2026. "The work of the Commission, as well as the minutes, are confidential," she said.
She also said the Greek delegation regularly monitors North Macedonian textbooks for content that breaches the rules on the correct naming of the state and historical records, and that the Commission minutes show a commitment on both sides to implement the obligations of the Prespa Agreement.
Photo: press material from the event
