The Secretariat for European Affairs in order to promote the debate and the discussion as democratic ways to resolve the differences of opinions and find solutions, and to increase the interest and knowledge of young people on issues and topics related to the EU, supporting the European principles of inclusiveness, solidarity and transparency, today launched the debate competition cycle entitled EU Stars.

At the promotional event entitled European Union should be extended to include the countries of the Western Balkans, debating teams of three students from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius - Skopje, who debated pro and students from the South East European University, who debated con.

In his opening address, the Deputy Prime Minister Besimi said that the dialogue and the debate are that what we need for our democracy and our future! He told the students that through clarity of their vision to increase the alertness, with the strength of the arguments to gain the support and with the power of their passion to win the hearts of their followers.

The EU Ambassador Orav noted that these debates contribute to greater tolerance, tolerance means more democracy and more democracy means more peace.

The dynamics of Europe lies in its openness and willingness to accept new members who will further enrich the cultural diversity that is the biggest wealth of Europe, was underlined by the first mentioned team who first debate on the topic.

By the team who debated con on the said topic was emphasised that the countries of the Western Balkans in particular should focus on solving its internal problems and then when they are ready they would be welcomed into the European Union.

The debate was based on Karl Popper debate rules that clearly share the roles of each of the participants in the debate and enable interactive debate, and also encourage the critical thinking and inclusiveness.

The Debate cycle will last one year, during which 6 debates are provided by debate clubs from several universities in the country.