Macedonia's strategic goal is EU and NATO membership, which is in the citizens' interest, leading to a better future, economic growth and development, as well as enhancement of peace and stability in the country and the region, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said at panel "The South Eastern Europe, The Western Balkans and the European Union: What About Regional Stability?" within the Crans Montana Forum Annual Session, MIA reports from Brussels.

In the address, he said stability could be achieved through enlargement and vice versa.

"Western Balkan states have achieved enormous progress in the Euro-integration process over the past couple of decades. The process of building democratic societies is irreversible in all countries. It is increasingly clear that the European membership perspective is the generating force for the stability and prosperity of Balkan states. That is why we need more powerful Europe, more energetic Europe, more engaged Europe", stressed Gruevski.

He said the EU should continue to do what it does best - use the power of membership towards transformation of countries in the neighborhood.

"Opening of accession talks with countries that deserve this and meet criteria, such as Macedonia, will be the right step in this direction", added PM Gruevski.

He said that while Macedonia implemented reforms and developed, the ultimate goal was EU and NATO accession, not as a solution to all problems, but as a point of national consensus.

The PM emphasized that Macedonia's strategic goal was full-fledged EU and NATO membership, which was in the citizens' interest, leading to a better future, economic growth and development, as well as enhancement of peace and stability in the country and the region.

"The EU, the United States and other international partners have largely contributed to the integration process. The country is currently faced with a political crisis. Efforts are invested towards overcoming it through a dialogue, including a fresh round of talks on Wednesday among leaders of the largest political parties", said Gruevski.

According to him, the crisis should be settled as soon as possible, but what is lacking is a clear EU perspective for Macedonia. Gruevski sees the crisis as an opportunity to end the status-quo and raise the awareness over the need to enable Macedonia's progress in the EU integration.

"That is why we welcome the engagement of Commissioner Hahn and the three Members of the European Parliament in facilitating the dialogue and helping Macedonia to overcome the situation. I acknowledge the fact that the crisis has generated negative publicity for the country. However, amongst all messages of concern, we must not forget the main focus of what is really important for Macedonia's citizens - the EU perspective and the fact that the country has been a membership candidate for a decade. European Commission recommendations represent an objective assessment of reforms and harmonization with the EU law. These recommendations result from hard work, serious commitment and strong administrative capacities", stressed Gruevski.

However, he added, this is not a time to look back.

"I strongly believe that we will soon overcome the political crisis. We encourage the EU member-states to tackle the proposals that have been on the table for some time, but have not been given much attention - the opening of accession talks in parallel with the name talks, or start of negotiations and solution to the name issue in the early stages of the accession process", said Gruevski.

He said the country would work tirelessly to overcome its political challenges through a legal, institutional and political process in compliance with the constitution, the EU democratic principles and the rule of law.

"Embracing democratic values and implementation of European good governance standards in the countries of the South Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans are and will be crucial in the future of the regional stability", underlined PM Gruevski.