The European Union (EU) expressed its desire to count on Serbia as a reliable partner, stressing the importance of Belgrade securing its strategic course, following the confirmation by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić that he would travel to Moscow to attend the Victory Day celebrations.
In response to a question sent by Radio Free Europe, a representative from the European Commission added that the EU has been clear with its partners, including candidate countries like Serbia.
“Relations with Russia cannot be developed on the principle of ‘business as usual’ with the regime of Vladimir Putin, especially after the unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine,” stated Guillaume Mercier, a representative from the Directorate for Enlargement and International Partnership, in his written response.
On April 23, Vučić confirmed his plans to visit Moscow on May 9 to participate in the 80th-anniversary parade marking the victory over fascism in World War II.
Vučić emphasized his open, honest, and friendly relationship with Putin, acknowledging that they don’t always agree but trust each other.
“I have always had an open, honest, and friendly relationship with President Putin, which is not always easy and simple, because we don’t always see eye to eye, but we trust each other when we say something,” said Vučić.
He also indicated that he is likely to travel alone and that Serbia’s army would not accompany him due to the potential risks of facing sanctions or attacks.
During his time in Moscow, Vučić plans to discuss a new gas agreement and a solution for Serbia’s Oil Industry (NIS), which has been under U.S. sanctions because most of its shareholders are Russian companies.
Vučić’s first trip to Russia since the Russian invasion of Ukraine became public in early March, after a phone conversation with Putin. Despite potential Western sanctions, Vučić insisted that he would go ahead with his visit.
Since becoming an EU candidate in December 2021, Serbia has not opened any negotiation chapters, with its progress blocked due to its refusal to align its foreign policy with the EU’s stance and impose sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine invasion.
The EU also expects Belgrade to make progress in the rule of law and in the ongoing dialogue with Kosovo.
