Slovenia's ambassador to Macedonia Alain Bergant delivered Monday a lecture at the Tetovo-based University of Southeast Europe, focusing on his country's experiences in the EU integration process.

Ambassador Bergant stated chapters ecology and agriculture were the most difficult chapters in the negotiations.

According to him, there had been great skepticism in Slovenia at the beginning, adding that transparency in negotiations ended such doubts.

"Slovenes' largest fear of losing their identity has shown to be wrong. On the contrary, there is an increasing number of people from neighboring countries learning our language after the Union accession", said Bergant.

He stressed that FYRMacedonia should lobby more, lead a consistent policy and cooperate with other countries, such as Iceland, which also aspires towards Union membership.

"Macedonia currently has one lobby group in Brussels. We had six during the negotiation process", added the Slovenian ambassador.

Bergant assessed that the dispute with Greece is the largest obstacle on Macedonia's path towards Euro-Atlantic integration, but a good thing is the proactive policy in this regard and efforts for the issue's settlement, something which the European Union knows how to appreciate.

"You should follow our example and know it is good to talk and be proactive. Direct meetings between countries' PMs and FMs should continue", stated Bergant.

He said shortcomings noted by the Union should be tackled in parallel with the name talks.

"Public administration, organized crime and corruption, judiciary reforms are areas needing work", underlined Slovenia's ambassador Bergant.