Skopje. Presidents of five western Balkan countries have sent a joint letter urging the European Union to give a clear perspective for their efforts to join the Union at the coming Summit in Copenhagen.

The letter was signed by presidents of Macedonia, Yugoslavia, Croatia, Albania and Bosnia.

"We express our expectations that the Copenhagen Summit final documents will contain a reference to the prospects for our countries’ membership, as a strong message and impetus to continue on our way to EU integration," says the joint letter, written on initiative of Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski.

"Fully aware of the hard work ahead of us to achieve this goal, we are confident that our common objective is in favor of the realization of our noble vision - the unification of Europe, reads the letter addressed to the Danish Presidency of EU, President of the European Commission Romano Prodi, Euro-Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten, EU High Representative CFSP Javier Solana and President of the European Parliament Pat Cox.

In the letter, the Presidents warmly welcome an announced decision of the Copenhagen Summit for inviting ten candidate countries to join the Union, which will contribute to strengthening peace, stability and democracy, as well as economic prosperity of the continent.

"Opening of the perspectives for our membership in EU is very important for the deepening of ongoing democratic and reform processes, as well as for strengthening stability in the region," Trajkovski said.