The move follows the collapse of Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica’s governing coalition at the weekend.

Ministers failed to agree on whether to suspend ties with the EU, in protest at recognition by some EU member states of Kosovo’s independence.

Mr Tadic, whose party is in favour of EU membership, has indicated that he will grant the request for an election.

The Slovenian Presidency of the EU said on Monday that it hoped pro-EU parties would win the coming election. Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel said: “I don’t think there is any other possibility for our Serbian friends than the European Union.”

The majority of EU countries recognised Kosovo after its unilateral declaration of independence on 17 February. Serbia and Russia, however, say they will never accept it.

Last week, Mr Kostunica called a special meeting to propose that parliament be dissolved and fresh elections called. The proposal was approved by the Serbian government.

“It has been established that the government no longer has united and joint policies,” the government said in a statement.

The proposal will now be presented to President Tadic, who has the formal power to order an early general election.

According to media reports, the fresh ballot is seen as a way out of Serbia’s deepening political crisis.

Serbia’s coalition partners disagree over whether the central issue is relations with the EU or Kosovo’s independence.

Prime Minister Kostunica, who leads the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS), has said recognition of Kosovo by EU countries is unlawful.

“All parties want Serbia to join the EU, but the question is how - with or without Kosovo,” he said at the weekend.

President Tadic says the main difference between himself and his prime minister is not on Kosovo but on Serbia’s “European and economic outlook”.