Leaders from central and southeastern European countries have agreed that the European Union enlargement process cannot be completed without the full inclusion of the western Balkan countries.

Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski, whose country hosted the two-day gathering, called on more efforts to promote the integration process.

"The Balkan region is not completely on the path to joining the EU and therefore all local and international subjects who are interested in this issue have to work much harder to bring expected stability and prosperity to the region as a functional part of Europe."

Kosovo was on the agenda of the meeting, but the former Serbian province, which declared unilateral independence in February, was not invited.

Serbian President Boris Tadic told reporters after the summit that the Kosovo dispute can not prevent his country from joining the EU.

"I clearly pointed out that Serbia will never give up EU integration under any circumstances and once again I confirm that no one can blackmail Serbia with Kosovo issues. Regarding EU integration, no one will ever make it a condition that Serbia recognizes Kosovo as a state if Serbia is to become an EU member."

The president also warned that recognizing Kosovo's independence represents a precedent that could destabilize not only the region, but Europe and the world at large.

Among the countries represented at the summit, 10 were EU members, three have EU candidate status and five have not joined the bloc. Most of them are west Balkan countries. Turkey also attended as a guest.