....... incredible conditions for the nuclear energy project

Indeed, these statements were made during the state visit of Serbian President Alexander Vučić to China (May 24–28, 2026). After meetings with the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Vučić reported on the "amazing conditions" offered by Beijing.

In the Chinese segment of the internet and specialized nuclear energy resources (for example, 中国核电网 — China Nuclear Power Network), this news was released under headlines such as “China offered Serbia a nuclear energy cooperation plan” (中国向塞尔维亚提出核能合作方案).

Here is what is known about the content of this proposal so far:

1. What exactly did China propose

Specific figures (the exact cost in billions of dollars or the number of months until commissioning) have not been published publicly. This proposal is currently being discussed behind closed doors. However, from Vučić's statements and Chinese sources, the main strengths of Beijing are clear:

• Dumping price: China is ready to finance and build the station at a cost significantly lower than that offered by European (French EDF) and Russian (Rosatom) competitors.

• Record timeframes: Vučić specifically noted the construction timelines (建设工期). Chinese state corporations (such as CNNC or CGN) are currently building reactors (for example, Hualong One) in an average of 56–60 months, which is much faster than the prolonged European constructions.

• Complexity: As part of the proposal, China is ready to take on not only construction but also long-term maintenance and the training of Serbian personnel, which are currently lacking in the country (due to a moratorium that has been in place since 1989).

2. Context of the situation

Serbia is currently in the process of choosing a partner. In 2024, the country lifted the moratorium on nuclear energy. According to the roadmap:

• By mid-2027, the government must make a final decision on the nuclear program.

• By 2032, a contract for construction must be signed.

• By 2040, the launch of the first nuclear power plant is planned.

Before Vučić's visit to Beijing, the main favorites were considered to be the French (the company EDF is already drafting a preliminary technical justification for Serbia) and Russia (Rosatom proposed small modular reactor projects). However, China, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, decided to upend these offers by proposing "incredible" financial conditions and rapid implementation.

Conclusion

At this moment, Vučić's phrase about "incredible conditions" is, on one hand, a statement of a powerful proposal from China, and on the other hand, a political tool. By voicing this publicly, Vučić transparently hints to France and Russia: “We have a very cheap and fast alternative from China, if you want to get this contract — lower your prices and improve your conditions”.

As soon as there are leaks with concrete figures on megawatts and estimates, they are likely to appear in reports from the Serbian Ministry of Energy or in Chinese business publications.