In the history of each country, there are periods of uncertainties, victories and defeats, successes and failures, used and missed opportunities. In fact, the whole history of mankind is a permanent process of changes defining the progress of civilization. Our task is to comprehend these processes, use all the offered opportunities and lead the country to the right direction.

Today, the Republic of Macedonia and its citizens are facing such a process of changes and challenges. The Republic of Macedonia knows the answer to that challenge - to be part of the European family of democratic nations.

The membership in the EU for the Republic of Macedonia is the most important project in the realization of the national and state interests and strives. The integration in the Union is a clearly defined direction and objective towards which the country has been continually moving since its independence.

The EU several times has expressed the position that the last enlargement with not mean closing of the door but quite the contrary, that Europe will be whole only when the Balkans region will be an integral part. The last enlargement of the Union and the acquisition of the status of candidate for full fledged membership in the EU by the Republic of Croatia is an additional proof for the open door policy towards our region.

The European Commission will soon deliver to us the Questionnaire that we are expected to fill in as a prerequisite for membership. Despite its expected size and complexity, the Republic of Macedonia through an optimal coordination of all institutions and capacities, has the obligation to respond to all the questions and thus speed up its rapprochement to the Union. The answers will reflect our determination, knowledge and clear national orientation that we are ready to fulfill the criteria necessary for membership in the European Union.

In the recent period the Republic of Macedonia has done a lot of progress in fulfilling the defined standards and criteria. Democratic values reigning in the Union have become our way of life. We are actively working on the harmonization of the domestic legislation with the European one, and in the forthcoming period we will have to work on the implementation of the adopted laws and consistent law enforcement. Moreover, we are expected to create a favorable economic environment for the entrance of foreign direct investments.

The European project is the main integrating factor of all relevant structures in the Republic of Macedonia. It is supported equally by Macedonians, Albanians, Serbs, Valachs, Turks, Romas. It is worth investing all our potential in its realization. Overcome together past disputes and build and live together in the future. This is the path that all the countries pertaining today to the Euro-Atlantic structures have gone through. This is the path we will have to go through as well. Their experience shows that this is a path on which it is worth persisting. This is the only way to be united at home and integrated in the region and Europe. Only than we will become part of the Union and we will ensure a prosperous future to ourselves.

We need to be promoters of European values in all areas of life and work in order to acquire the status of candidate country for EU membership, and than fully realize our aspirations - the Republic of Macedonia to become equal member of the European Union.