Macedonia's goal is to become EU and NATO full-fledged member as soon as possible, whereas the high-level accession dialogue is not a replacement for the accession negotiations, but an inclusive framework that is set to introduce fresh dynamics in the country's Euro-integration process, said Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki in the address at the 7. annual international conference on European integration titled "Europe 2020: Towards Innovative and Inclusive Union", organized by University American College Skopje and the Macedonia Office of Friedrich Ebbert Foundation.

FM Poposki stressed that Macedonia supported the adoption of growth strategy "Europe 2020" due to its significance for the EU in time of economic crisis.

He added that the strategy's policies include competitiveness, economic growth, social cohesion and economic reforms, along with the enlargement aspect.

"It is worth mentioning that EU and candidate-states have already discussed the enhancement of the enlargement process through the 2020 strategy. Being a candidate-country, Macedonia implements its policies in line with this EU strategy", emphasized Poposki.

French Ambassador to Macedonia Jean-Claude Schlumberger also addressed the conference, saying the Europe 2020 strategy envisaged measures in the field of employment, energy, innovation and research, thus strengthening EU's competitiveness.

According to organizers, the Skopje conference should also tackle the readiness of Macedonia's academic community in addressing issues of importance for the Euro-integration process, "which are, unfortunately, burdened by political issues".