Serbia's government has approved the Football Association's bid to host the 2029 Europa League final in Belgrade. The bid faces stiff competition from France, Italy, Romania, and Turkey.

Two-Year-Old Plan

The idea of hosting the Europa League final is not new. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić first announced the plan two years ago, during the inauguration of construction for the National Stadium in Surčin. Although the original plan was to host the final in 2028, the realization has been pushed back to 2029.

Strong Competition from Four Nations

Serbia will face strong competition from four other nations. According to official UEFA data, France has put forward two stadiums as potential venues — Parc des Princes in Paris and Groupama Stadium in Lyon. Italy has proposed Juventus Stadium in Turin, while Romania has put forward the National Arena in Bucharest. Turkey, which hosted the final this season at Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul, will bid for the final in 2029 at a stadium in Ankara.

Serbia's bid to host the 2029 Europa League final marks a significant step in the country's efforts to position itself as a leading destination for major sporting events. The National Stadium in Surčin, currently under construction, is expected to be a key asset in this bid.