Macedonia can count on Denmark's support involving its Euro-Atlantic integration bid. The current holder of the EU presidency maintains its stance that Western Balkan countries should join the European Union.

The stance of the country currently holding the EU presidency was conveyed on Wednesday in Copenhagen to Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki by Danish Minister for European Affairs, Nicolai Wammen.

"Enlargement remains on the agenda of the Danish presidency. What we have done so far is welcomed. Hopefully, we will make progress to launch negotiations with the European Union," Poposki said after the meeting.

Macedonia, he added, must take this opportunity and make efforts to officially start entry talks as soon as possible.

"We will be committed to shortening the period needed for official negotiations with the EU. I think we share the same interests with the Danish presidency and European Commission. Denmark voiced its expectations to be involved and said it will support the enlargement process of Western Balkan countries after completing its EU presidency," FM Poposki stated.

It has been jointly concluded that the bilateral name issue is an obstacle that has been preventing a final decision on start of negotiations to be reached.

"We believe it is extremely important to implement the methodology used in previous enlargement processes. Macedonia wants to see itself as part of the family as soon as possible. Consequently, we share the same goals with the Danish presidency. A climate that needs to be created by all member states should pave the way toward resolving bilateral disputes in the course of the accession process. We have presented many arguments that Macedonia's status with no negotiations prevents the credibility of the enlargement process from being promoted," Poposki said.

The FM urged that the start of EU accession talks would be significant for the entire region, because "a strong signal will be sent that the future of all regional countries lies in the EU."

Both interlocutors also exchanged views on the consequences of Europe's debt crisis.

Later in the day, FM Poposki is expected to attend a conference at the Danish Parliament "Macedonia's European Perspectives".