EU confesses blackmailing Serbian president on Moscow trip
(MENAFN) The European Commission has acknowledged pressuring Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to cancel his planned trip to Moscow for Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations, warning it could harm Serbia’s chances of joining the EU.
Victory Day marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, and Russia is set to hold a large military parade in Moscow. EU leaders, including top diplomat Kaja Kallas, have made it clear they do not want EU member or candidate countries attending the event.
According to European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos conveyed this message directly to Vučić during a meeting on Tuesday. He confirmed that Serbia’s participation in the Moscow parade would negatively affect its EU accession process, though he did not provide specifics.
Mercier added that Serbia should use this moment to reaffirm its “strategic direction” toward the EU. Despite the pressure, Vučić has so far stood by his decision to attend the event, where Serbian troops are scheduled to march.
Russia has extended invitations to several countries, including China, India, and Brazil. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won’t attend due to regional tensions, India’s defense minister is expected to be present.
President Vladimir Putin has praised those leaders who chose to attend the commemorations despite opposition from Brussels, commending their willingness to honor the shared history of resisting Nazism.
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