"The European Union must think twice when assuring Serbia that it's neutral and that it wants to help so we can all live better," he said after a liturgy, reiterating that he had wanted to spend Christmas "there where it is hardest, in Kosovo."

Asked if he would again ask for permission to visit Kosovo, Nikolic said he would no longer seek permission since he knew it would not be granted.

He said he had not expected the Albanian authorities in Pristina to allow him to spend Christmas with Kosovo Serbs and that the EU "is the one that didn't pass the test."

The authorities in Pristina last week refused to allow Nikolic to attend Christmas liturgy at the Gracanica monastery in Kosovo today, with the explanation that the decision was made in agreement with international partners.