Vučić to FT: Elections by early December, Western Balkans to join EU together

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated in a Financial Times interview that early parliamentary elections could be held by December, and called on the European Union to abandon its merit-based enlargement approach in favor of admitting all Western Balkan countries simultaneously. Vučić argued that the current individual merit system, which favors Montenegro and Albania, is counterproductive and that a collective accession process would better serve regional stability. The interview, titled "Big Bang," was published in the FT newsletter. Vučić's comments come amid stalled EU accession talks for Serbia and ongoing tensions in the region. No specific date for the elections was confirmed, but the statement signals a potential political shift in Serbia.

Global Impact

Politically, Vučić's proposal challenges the EU's established enlargement framework and could deepen divisions among member states over how to handle the Western Balkans. Economically, a collective accession would unlock EU structural funds and harmonization benefits for the entire region, but the timeline remains uncertain.