Brussels, April 18, 2025 — The European Union has issued a stern warning to Serbia, cautioning that President Aleksandar Vučić’s possible attendance at Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow next month could severely impact the country’s EU accession prospects.
The warning follows reports from Russian state media suggesting that Vučić may attend the May 9 parade commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
The same reports indicated that Serbia might also contribute troops and military equipment to the event, raising eyebrows across European capitals.
Serbian broadcaster N1 was among the first to report on the EU’s concerns, which have since been echoed by several senior EU officials.
During a recent meeting of EU foreign ministers, the issue was reportedly addressed in detail, with many member states expressing clear opposition to any symbolic alignment with Russia at a time when the country remains engaged in a full-scale war in Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, confirmed that the matter had sparked significant debate.
“Such participation would not be welcomed,” Kallas told reporters, citing a unified EU position against Russian aggression and its symbolic expressions on the world stage.
She reiterated that candidate countries like Serbia are expected to uphold the Union’s core values and demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine. The warning adds to the growing tension between Brussels and Belgrade.
While Serbia formally applied for EU membership in 2009 and gained candidate status in 2012, its progress has been slow, hindered in large part by its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Economic ties between Serbia and Russia remain strong, notably through Russian ownership of Serbia’s only oil refinery.
The Russian Foreign Ministry responded defiantly to the EU’s cautionary message. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled the warning “Euro-Nazism,” drawing a controversial parallel to fascist regimes of the past.
Writing on Telegram, Zakharova accused the EU of attempting to erase Serbian identity, stating, “80 years ago, fascists similarly forced those they considered ‘second-class citizens’ to renounce their homeland, people and religion.”
Serbia’s balancing act between East and West has become increasingly difficult as tensions between Russia and the EU continue to escalate.
The possibility of participating in Moscow’s Victory Day parade places Serbia at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war, with significant implications for its future in the European bloc.
Meanwhile, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has also reportedly been invited to the parade and has indicated he may attend, potentially becoming one of the only EU leaders to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years.
In contrast, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, often viewed as Putin’s closest ally in the EU, has reportedly declined the invitation.
Kaja Kallas used the moment to underscore the importance of EU unity in supporting Ukraine. She urged all EU representatives to visit Kyiv and show continued solidarity, stating that “this is not the time for mixed signals.”
As the May 9 date approaches, all eyes will be on Belgrade — and on Vučić’s ultimate decision.