Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić told the German daily FAZ that the country is willing to give up the right of veto if that is required for EU accession. “For Serbia, membership in the EU without the veto is acceptable” he said, stressing that the main priority is the single market and the free movement of goods, people and capital-values he believes an EU membership would secure.
Vučić echoed comments from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has repeatedly said that Albania would also renounce the veto that each member state normally holds. In Germany, the Green Party deputy chair Anton Hofreiter champions a similar approach, arguing that the formal presence of a veto blocks any chance of enlargement. He noted that while foreign governments often react with contempt and outrage, private discussions sometimes differ, and the alternative for applicant states would be to forgo EU membership altogether.
SPD foreign‑policy spokesman Adis Ahmetovic also expressed openness to the idea, citing the heightened security relevance that a concrete accession prospect has brought to the Western Balkans. He called for “pragmatism and creativity” to bring the six target countries into the Union, arguing that sacrificing the veto could help fast‑track their integration.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, however, opposed a waiver, asserting that enlargement must strengthen the EU and never constrain its ability to act. “Any expansion should be in line with EU rules; those who comply should not suffer disadvantages” she said, noting that the treaties do not envisage a second‑class membership.
The German Foreign Office issued a cautious statement, reaffirming that the top priority remains the full adoption of the EU acquis in accordance with Copenhagen criteria, before any discussion about changing the veto regime.
