France’s President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Belgrade in an effort to strengthen ties with Serbia and bring the Balkan country closer to the West. This visit comes at a crucial time as Serbia navigates its European Union membership bid while maintaining close relationships with Russia and China. Macron is scheduled to meet with Serbia’s populist Aleksandar Vucic to discuss various issues, including the potential purchase of France’s Rafale fighters, energy cooperation, and advancements in artificial intelligence.
Serbia’s strategic position at the edge of the European Union, with connections to both eastern and western powers, has put it in a unique position on the global stage. Macron emphasized in an op-ed piece that Serbia’s independence can be preserved only under the umbrella of the EU. He warned against seeking a path of neutrality in the face of ongoing conflicts, particularly referencing Russia’s aggression in Europe. The EU remains the largest investor in Serbia, and many Serbs are employed by Western-owned companies, highlighting the country’s economic reliance on the West.
One of the key topics of discussion during Macron’s visit is the potential purchase of Rafale aircraft from France. However, Serbian President Vucic has raised concerns about unresolved issues surrounding the acquisition, including guarantees related to the 3 billion euros price tag. The sale of Rafale jets represents a significant shift away from Serbia’s historical dependence on Soviet-Russian military equipment. The purchase of advanced military technology like the Rafale fighters involves not only monetary transactions but also foreign policy commitments.
Serbia’s reliance on Russian gas has been a longstanding issue, with the country seeking to diversify its energy sources. Despite curbing military cooperation with Moscow after the Ukraine invasion, Serbia has refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia, aligning its position with the Kremlin’s stance on various international matters. The country’s military capabilities have historically been rooted in Soviet technology, but recent acquisitions from Western companies like Airbus, Thales, and France have diversified its defense capabilities. In addition to energy cooperation, Macron and Vucic are expected to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence and sign agreements to enhance cooperation in these areas.
Before Serbia can become a member of the European Union, it must address several key issues, including strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, combating corruption and organized crime, and aligning its foreign policies with those of the EU. This includes the potential adoption of sanctions against Russia in line with EU policies. Macron’s visit underscores the importance of Serbia’s progress towards meeting EU membership criteria and further integrating with the Western bloc.
Macron’s visit to Belgrade signifies a significant effort to deepen ties between France and Serbia, as well as to advance Serbia’s alignment with the European Union. The discussions between Macron and Vucic are expected to address a range of economic, military, and political matters, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and bringing Serbia closer to Western institutions. As Serbia navigates its delicate balancing act between East and West, Macron’s visit represents a pivotal moment in shaping the country’s future direction on the international stage.