The European Union is the most successful peace project on the continent, which has enabled peace, security and prosperity for 70 years, whereas enlargement is the Union's most successful policy, said participants at Tuesday's international conference on Europe Day titled "Enlargement faced with latest developments in EU", organized by the European Movement in Republic of Macedonia (EMRM), under the Parliament's auspices.

Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki said in the address that EU membership is not the answer to everything, with Greece serving as one example. He stressed that EU is faced with the biggest challenge thus far, adding that enlargements have always occurred in times of great crises.

"The ball is in our court. We need to run the required distance in order to contribute to the Union's peace project, as well as address the challenges in a way this is done in EU member-states. Despite the crisis in the Union, enlargement is moving slowly, but surely. However, Macedonia is a unique example from the aspect of the specific obstacle that has been imposed on us, which does not correspond to the spirit of the Union's common values. This circumstance should not dominate the agenda, but the fact there is an overwhelming support for EU accession, and that the Republic of Macedonia can definitely make EU richer, more stable and prosperous after its accession. This requires hard work despite the imposed blockade", emphasized FM Poposki.

British Ambassador to Macedonia, Christopher Yvon said the UK strongly supported the EU enlargement process, expressing belief that Macedonia's accession would occur much sooner through the use of possibilities provided by the high-level accession dialogue.

"This dialogue offers a real opportunity to Macedonia in its progress towards the European Union. The United Kingdom would like to see the opening of accession negotiations. We have no objection to this, but until the date when the Council unanimously passes a decision comes, I believe that this high-level dialogue provides opportunities for significant reforms. If they occur, Macedonia's journey during the negotiation process will topple records, it will seem more like a sprint rather than marathon", added Ambassador Yvon.

David Cullen, Head of the Macedonia Unit at the Enlargement Directorate-General, saluted the high-level accession dialogue, which brings the country closer to the Union.

"Enlargement is a rigorous process, which requires many changes through concrete achievements", said Cullen, adding however, that it usually is not a sprint, but a marathon.