en.vijesti.me<https://en.vijesti.me/world-a/balkan/798008/Vucic-and-Rama-are-seeking-admission-to-the-single-market-and-the-Schengen-zone-without-veto-rights-in-the-EU.> Vučić and Rama: We seek admission to the Single Market and the Schengen Zone, without veto rights in the EU Vijesti 6–8 minutes ________________________________
28.02.2026. 15:40h Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama have said they are in favor of accelerated integration into the Single Market and Schengen Area of those candidate countries for membership in the European Union (EU) that meet the conditions, instead of full membership in the 27-nation bloc. In a joint article for the German Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Vučić and Rama stated that these countries would not have the right of veto within the EU and assessed that this would alleviate the concerns of those member states that are abstaining from a larger expansion of the Union. "Many Europeans are wondering whether the EU can continue to function effectively with significantly more members. Concerns about decision-making, institutional balance and political cohesion are legitimate. Leaders in Paris, Berlin and elsewhere are stressing that internal EU reforms may be necessary to ensure that the enlarged EU remains capable of decisive action," Vučić and Rama stated in an article published today in the print edition of FAZ. They added that they had learned, often the hard way, how difficult it is to convince all member states to speed up the accession processes of candidate countries and how easily progress can be blocked, "often for reasons rooted in the internal political considerations of individual member states." "Telling future members that they must wait for reforms within the EU before joining would be tantamount to closing the door: more ceremonial speeches confirming the commitment to accepting new members, while in reality little or nothing is happening. That would be wrong, counterproductive, even dangerous in these times," Vučić and Rama assessed. They stated that they wrote the article together "because they recognize that Europe today strives for two equally legitimate goals - candidate countries seek a realistic path to full membership, while member states want to preserve the EU's capacity to act and its unity." "This tension, with imagination and political will, can - indeed must - become a strategic opportunity. That is why we advocate for the accelerated integration of ready candidate countries into the Single Market and the Schengen Area. This could bring tangible benefits to citizens, while at the same time strengthening the EU's economic and geopolitical position, without burdening its decision-making architecture or changing its institutional balance," they pointed out. They added that this "would not imply a veto right, additional commissioners, a larger number of MEPs, or changes in voting structures." "We are convinced that this would alleviate the concerns of those member states that are reluctant to consider a larger enlargement – and because it would make it much easier for them to convincingly present the process to their public," the Serbian president and Albanian prime minister wrote. They also stated that the reforms, which mean harmonization with EU standards in practically every area of public life, are "expensive and politically difficult, but are being undertaken because the goal is worth it." "Our two countries and the entire region – with all their differences and shared challenges – have changed in ways that would have been unimaginable ten years ago. But reform and progress cannot be based on faith alone," the text reads. In parts of the Western Balkans, enthusiasm for the EU persists despite painful disappointments, the two leaders said, adding that Albanians are and remain optimistic, while Serbs are more skeptical. "But there is a common denominator in the region: People need to see that the process is credible and that membership is achievable within a reasonable timeframe," Vučić and Rama stated. They point out that EU enlargement was never an act of charity, but that it was always a "mutually beneficial investment" - the EU gained new markets, talent, strategic depth and political stability, while the new members gained prosperity, security and a voice in shaping Europe. "First of all, peace on our continent has been further consolidated – to an extent never seen in European history. Europe's opponents are thriving thanks to narratives of decline and division. Europe's strength has always come from its ability to transform crises into integration and diversity into unity," Vučić and Rama wrote. The leaders of Serbia and Albania also state that since the fall of the Berlin Wall, "few things have transformed the European Union as profoundly as its enlargement." By extending its institutions, rules and markets to new members, the EU has contributed to establishing democracy, stability and prosperity across much of the continent, they state, adding that no other political instrument has changed Europe more profoundly or peacefully. "Yet, no new member has joined the EU since 2013. While this does not necessarily reflect a lack of commitment, but rather a more complex environment – internal reforms, geopolitical tensions, institutional constraints and legitimate concerns within member states – the harsh truth remains: this sad and disheartening reality has lasted for too long," the article says. Vučić and Rama point out that the achievements of the European project are undeniable because "no generation of Europeans has experienced such peace, mobility and prosperity" and add that enlargement has played a central role in this, expanding a community based on democracy, the rule of law and economic exchange. "In our part of Europe, the Western Balkans, the prospect of membership remains the strongest driver of reform, investment and reconciliation. The EU continues to be very engaged through financial support, political dialogue and sectoral integration. For this we are grateful. However, the transformative impact of full membership has not yet materialised." Bonus video: Next Stay Close ✕ -- http:www.antic.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SERBIAN NEWS NETWORK" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/senet/PH0PR13MB544697AE1302FEF80C2AF51EAE71A%40PH0PR13MB5446.namprd13.prod.outlook.com.
