In a video message released on Wednesday on the occasion of Europe Day, May 9, Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said the enlargement process should continue because enlargement was part of the solution to the current crisis in Europe.

We are determined to maintain this progress in the enlargement process, despite the challenges Europe has been facing, Fuele said in his message, adding that the challenges had to do with globalisation rather than enlargement.

Enlargement is not the cause, it is part of the solution, he added.

He went on to say that Croatia would soon join the EU, "Serbia has been granted candidate status and negotiations with Montenegro should start next month." "Other enlargement countries are also moving towards the European Union."

Despite the recent difficulties, Europe continues to be "a source of inspiration, with its values, with its living standards" and in the case of enlargement, with its transformative power to bring about the reforms and changes needed to achieve European standards in all areas of life.