site.btaVucic’s Moscow Visit and Serbia’s Balancing Act between Russia and EU

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has arrived in Moscow to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Victory Day, despite strong criticism from Brussels and concerns over the potential impact on Serbia’s EU accession process.

Vucic flew to Russia via Bulgaria, Turkey, and Azerbaijan after Lithuania and Latvia denied overflight permission, according to Serbian media.

From Moscow, Vucic acknowledged he expects consequences for attending the parade and said that instead of understanding Serbia’s position, some Western officials have responded with threats, reported the national TV operator RTS. He emphasized he had informed EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and French President Emmanuel Macron, of his intentions, stressing, “If the EU wants to punish someone, let them punish me.”

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Vucic said he expects a “very harsh reaction” from the EU but promised a serious response, said Radio Free Europe.

A bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for Friday, with topics including the Western Balkans and a soon-to-expire Russian gas supply agreement.

Serbia, an EU candidate, has not joined Western sanctions against Russia, citing national interests. A European Commission spokesperson recently reiterated that it is clear to everyone, including Serbia, that relations with Russia cannot be normalized while the war in Ukraine continues. He also said that the EU wants to rely on Serbia which is why Belgrade should confirm its strategic path towards the EU. 

EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos had warned that Vucic’s visit would complicate efforts to help Serbia stay focused on its EU path, said also Radio Free Europe.

Diplomats and analysts note that Brussels has long pressured Serbia over its ties to Moscow.

According to diplomat Zoran Milivojevic, who spoke to Blic.rs, even without the Moscow visit, Serbia’s relations with Russia would remain an issue for the EU. He believes sanctions from Brussels are unlikely, citing support for Serbia from member states such as Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, France, Greece, and Cyprus. He also argued that the EU wants to integrate the Western Balkans and doing that is impossible without Serbia.

Still, other experts warn that EU financial aid, visa arrangements, or the negotiation process itself could be affected. Branka Latinovic of the European Movement in Serbia even raised the possibility of a freeze in accession talks, comparing the situation to Slovakia under former President Vladimir Meciar. She said Vucic’s decision to attend the parade despite EU warnings clearly signals “the direction Serbia is now heading.”