EU may prevent Serbia’s accession after Vucic visits Moscow for the May 9 parade

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic could seriously jeopardize his country’s European integration if he participates in the May 9 parade in Moscow. According to The Telegraph, the European Union has warned that such an action could negatively affect Serbia’s accession to the union.

Russian media have reported that Vucic intends to attend a military parade in Moscow, and the Serbian side is considering providing equipment to participate in these events.

EU representatives have already informed Belgrade that a visit to Moscow would be perceived as a clear choice to support Russia, which is contrary to the European Union’s values and foreign policy. Estonian diplomat Jonatan Vseviov noted that “some decisions have a price.”

According to the diplomat, Russia is actively trying to invite international guests to the May 9 parade, so it is important for the EU to assess with whom exactly Serbia will cooperate.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that the situation had been discussed by EU foreign ministers, emphasizing that Serbia’s participation in the event in Moscow would not be without consequences.

Serbia has long been balancing its relations with Russia and the EU. The country applied for EU membership in 2009 and was granted candidate status in 2012. However, the negotiations are effectively blocked due to Serbia’s refusal to join sanctions against Russia and its continued political and economic ties with Moscow.

The Serbian parliament recently decided to dismiss the prime minister after large-scale protests.