Zagreb, 13 May 2025 (Hina/MIA) — Serbia remains committed to its European Union accession path and wants to accelerate its membership bid, President Aleksandar Vučić said Tuesday following Western criticism over his recent visit to Moscow.

Vučić attended the military parade in Moscow on May 9 marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. While there, he also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

After a meeting in Belgrade with European Council President António Costa, Vučić said Serbia aimed to speed up its EU integration process and open more negotiation chapters, including Chapter 3, as soon as possible.

"The atmosphere, I am assured now because of my visit to Moscow, is not exactly favorable. But we are on track to fulfill all we promised in March, and I believe Europe will recognize our progress based on merit," Vučić said, acknowledging the EU's criticism.

At a joint press conference, Costa emphasized that EU accession was a merit-based process requiring full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria. He urged Serbia not to lose momentum, saying, "The ball is in your court."

Costa said that progress on media freedom, anti-corruption efforts, and improvements to electoral legislation were crucial for opening Chapter 3. He also underlined the importance of advancing dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina and clearly condemning Russia’s "brutal aggression" against Ukraine.

"Please, let’s not waste time, because the future will not wait. Let’s open the chapter and continue the process," said Costa, who began his Western Balkans tour with the visit to Belgrade.

Vučić responded by saying it was currently “impossible to know” whether Chapter 3 would be opened in June or October.

Brussels sources gave a similar message to Serbian broadcaster RTS earlier in May, citing the lack of key reforms, ongoing political and social instability, and Serbia’s close ties with Moscow as major obstacles to progress.

Serbia has faced a wave of student-led and civic protests since the collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad railway station on Nov. 1, which claimed 16 lives. The tragedy triggered a broader political and social crisis.

In the meantime, the student movement has called for the dissolution of Serbia’s National Assembly and the holding of snap elections. They have urged citizens to back a non-partisan list of experts to stand in the vote. its/mr