Brussels’ use of pressure and blackmail is nothing new—and certainly not unfamiliar—to those accustomed to the tactics of power centers in the EU.
The European Union may block Serbia’s accession to the bloc if its president travels to Russia next month to attend the Victory Day parade, to which he has been personally invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the British Telegraph has reported.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has repeatedly stated in his public addresses that he intends to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
However, according to The Telegraph, EU officials have responded by warning Vucic that such a visit would constitute a breach of the bloc’s membership criteria and could significantly undermine Serbia’s EU ambitions.
“We must make sure they understand that certain decisions come at a cost. The consequence would be not joining the European Union,” said Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
