U.S. Relations With North Macedonia

More information about North Macedonia is available on the North Macedonia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-NORTH MACEDONIA RELATIONS 

North Macedonia and the United States enjoy a cooperative relationship across a broad range of political, economic, cultural, military, and social issues.  The two have had good bilateral relations since North Macedonia gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.  The United States formally recognized North Macedonia in 1994, and the countries established full diplomatic relations in 1995.  The United States strongly supports North Macedonia’s aspirations for full integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions and is committed to helping North Macedonia embrace inclusive democracy and citizen-responsive governance; fight corruption and discrimination; strengthen rule of law; continue to build upon achievements as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally and partner; strengthen and diversify its economy; promote media freedom; and build greater democratic institutions in a full, inclusive, multi-ethnic society. 

The United States and its European allies acted swiftly to mediate an end to the 2001 civil conflict in North Macedonia, which grew from ethnic tensions, and closely supported the government and major parties’ successful efforts to forge a peaceful, political solution to the crisis through the Ohrid Framework Agreement.  The signing of the Prespa Agreement with Greece in June 2018 to resolve the name dispute, and the previous Treaty on Good Neighborly relations with Bulgaria signed in August 2017, opened the door for North Macedonia to join NATO as the Alliance’s 30th Ally in 2020.  North Macedonia’s NATO membership bolsters security, stability, and prosperity across the entire Western Balkans region.  North Macedonia hopes to commence EU accession negotiations as soon as possible, pending the resolution of bilateral challenges with neighboring Bulgaria.   

U.S. Assistance to North Macedonia 

U.S. Government assistance to North Macedonia focuses on strengthening North Macedonia’s resilience as a committed strategic partner.  The United States supports North Macedonia’s continued development on the path toward full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community and Government of North Macedonia’s efforts to sustain economic and democratic reforms to build stability and prosperity. 

Bilateral Economic Relations 

North Macedonia has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2003 and has negotiated free trade agreements with many of its neighbors.   In 2021, total trade between North Macedonia and the United States was $306 million, a 6.9-percent increase over 2020.  U.S. electrical machinery and equipment have been particularly attractive to importers in North Macedonia.  Principal exports to the United States are tobacco, apparel, iron, and steel. 

North Macedonia’s Membership in International Organizations 

North Macedonia and the United States belong to many of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Adriatic Charter, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, the World Trade Organization and NATO.  North Macedonia will be Chair of the OSCE in 2023.   

North Macedonia is an official candidate country for the European Union.  The historic Prespa Agreement, signed with Greece in June 2018 and ratified by both countries in January 2019, resolved the name dispute between the parties and unblocked North Macedonia’s path to NATO and EU accession.  North Macedonia joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace in 1995 and commenced its Membership Action Plan in 1999.  On February 6, 2019, NATO Allies signed North Macedonia’s NATO Accession Protocol, and the Protocol was ratified on March 27, 2020.   

The European Council endorsed the decision to open EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia on March 26, 2020.  Bulgaria continues to block the start of North Macedonia’s accession talks, pending resolution of bilateral disputes. 

Bilateral Representation 

Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List. 

North Macedonia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2129 Wyoming Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: (202) 667-0501). 

More information about North Macedonia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here: 

ACE Country Assistance Fact Sheet (PDF)
CIA World Factbook Macedonia Page 
U.S. Embassy
USAID Macedonia Page 
History of U.S. Relations With Macedonia
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics 
Export.gov International Offices Page 
Library of Congress Country Studies (see Yugoslavia (Former)) 
Travel Information