Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama jointly proposed a new model for accelerated European integration of Western Balkan countries. Their proposal envisages gradual integration into the EU's internal market and Schengen area, but without full membership — without EU commissioners, without representatives in the European Parliament, and without veto rights.

The leaders argue that the Western Balkans region, geographically surrounded by EU member states, should receive greater investment and integration support. "The membership perspective remains the strongest driver of reforms, investment and reconciliation," both leaders emphasize.

The integration process for Serbia and other Balkan candidates has stalled for years due to insufficient progress in rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom and judicial reforms — all prerequisites for full membership.

The proposal came after the November 2025 EU enlargement summit, at which six Western Balkan countries discussed the future of the European integration process.