EU Warns Serbian President: Moscow Parade Attendance Would Undermine Serbia’s EU Path

The European Commission has warned that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s potential participation in Russia’s Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9 would seriously damage Serbia’s European Union membership aspirations.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Freedom.

Speaking at a press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized that such a move would be incompatible with EU values and expectations for candidate countries. Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, delivered a clear message to President Vučić during her recent visit to Belgrade.

“She conveyed a message, which is also shared by many other EU member states, that the participation of the Serbian President in the parade in Moscow will have an impact on the country’s path to the EU, also meaning the discussion of reforms and the next steps. We were very clear: Serbia has applied and is negotiating EU membership. And we count on Serbia as a reliable partner, and we need to respect our common principles, our values, our security and prosperity. And we really need Serbia to reassure us about its strategic direction,” Mercier stressed.

The spokesperson stressed that Serbia is expected to demonstrate its alignment with the EU’s principles, especially during a time when Russia continues its military aggression in the heart of Europe. “Business as usual with Russia is not acceptable,” Mercier added.

According to the Commission, the meeting between Kos and Vučić focused heavily on the necessity of democratic reforms, the opening of new negotiating clusters, and Serbia’s commitment to the accession process.

Kos also reminded the Serbian leadership of the conditions outlined in the EU-facilitated dialogue, underlining that progress in reforms is essential to building a stronger, more resilient Serbian society and advancing toward EU integration.

As The Gaze reported earlier, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong statement regarding the upcoming participation of Serbian military personnel in Russia’s May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square, hosted by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.