Russia has sharply criticised the European Union after reports emerged that Brussels could block Serbia’s accession bid if its president attends a military parade in Moscow commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the bloc of reviving “Euronazism” by attempting to put pressure on Belgrade over the event.

“If this is the case, then Euronazism is being revived before our eyes,” Zakharova said, according to Russian state news agency TASS on April 15.

Her remarks came in response to a report in The Telegraph, which cited EU sources warning that President Aleksandar Vucic’s participation in Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations could derail Serbia’s hopes of joining the EU.

According to the British daily, EU officials have told Serbia that such a move would breach the bloc’s membership expectations, particularly at a time when the EU is trying to isolate Russia diplomatically over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“We have to make it clear to them that certain decisions have their price,” Jonatan Vsevjov, secretary general of Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told The Telegraph. “The consequence is that they will not join the European Union.”

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the issue was raised during a meeting of EU foreign ministers on April 14. “It was very clearly said, from several member states, that any participation in parades or celebrations on May 9 in Moscow will not be taken lightly,” Kallas said.

Vucic not only plans to attend the Moscow ceremony but also intends to send Serbian military personnel to take part – an act that EU officials interpret as a clear sign of political alignment with Moscow.

Serbia has pursued EU membership since 2009, gaining candidate status in 2012. But its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia and continued ties with the Kremlin have drawn growing concern in Brussels.

European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, said earlier this month that Serbia must clarify its strategic direction if it hopes to join the EU. “Serbia will not enter the EU while it sits on four chairs,” he said, referring to Belgrade’s simultaneous engagement with the EU, United States, Russia and China.

Despite the EU's stern warnings, such threats are likely to be viewed in Serbia as empty threats. Prolonged delays in the accession process and shifting membership criteria have led to widespread scepticism in the country over the likelihood of joining the bloc in the near future.

Moreover, internal divisions within the EU complicate Brussels' position. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who met Putin in December, has also said he intends to attend the Moscow parade. His attendance would undermine Brussels’ efforts to pressure Serbia and expose growing fractures within the EU over its Russia policy.