Which country has joined NATO recently? This question has been on the minds of many as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continues to evolve and adapt to the changing global security landscape. The most recent addition to the alliance is North Macedonia, a small country in Southeast Europe that officially became a member on March 30, 2020.
North Macedonia’s journey to NATO membership was long and fraught with challenges. The country, previously known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), had been seeking membership since 2008 but faced opposition from Greece, which had a long-standing dispute over the country’s name. The naming issue was a major obstacle, as Greece claimed the name “Macedonia” referred to its own region and history.
After years of negotiations and diplomatic efforts, including the Thessaloniki Agreement in 2018, which settled the naming dispute, North Macedonia’s path to NATO membership finally cleared. The agreement allowed North Macedonia to change its official name to North Macedonia, which was accepted by Greece and the international community. This breakthrough paved the way for the country’s formal admission into NATO.
The addition of North Macedonia to NATO is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the first expansion of the alliance since 2004, when Albania, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Slovakia joined. This expansion is a testament to NATO’s commitment to its principles of collective defense and to supporting the security and stability of its member states.
Secondly, North Macedonia’s membership strengthens the alliance’s presence in the Balkans, a region that has experienced significant instability and conflict in the past. By joining NATO, North Macedonia is contributing to the deterrence of potential threats and fostering a more secure environment in the region. This is particularly important in light of the evolving security challenges in the Black Sea region and the broader Eastern Europe area.
Moreover, North Macedonia’s membership demonstrates the alliance’s willingness to adapt and embrace new members, even those with complex histories and challenges. The country’s journey to NATO has been a testament to the power of diplomacy and the importance of compromise in resolving long-standing disputes.
As North Macedonia joins NATO, it is expected to contribute to the alliance’s efforts in various areas, including intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and defense planning. The country’s armed forces will also benefit from the resources and expertise available within the NATO framework, which will help enhance its defense capabilities and contribute to the overall security of the region.
In conclusion, the question of which country has joined NATO recently can be answered with North Macedonia. The country’s admission to the alliance is a significant milestone, both for North Macedonia and for NATO as a whole. It underscores the alliance’s commitment to its members and its dedication to promoting peace, stability, and security in the North Atlantic area and beyond.
