President Vučić Secures Key French Support for Serbia’s European Future
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, hosted Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vučić, in Paris for a private working luncheon on Wednesday. This meeting comes asVučić faces increasing domestic political challenges.
Initially, the Élysée provided no formal statement regarding the meeting, nor did they disclose the subjects that were addressed.
However, several hours afterward, Macron utilized the social media platform X to highlight the main points from their extensive discussion.
"I initially emphasized the significance France places on Serbia’s democratic and European future," Macron stated.
He showed faith in Serbia’s capability to "get back on the track of dialogue," and urged the upcoming administration to work towards "the anticipated reforms" and expand upon the nation's recent economic advancements.
The visit occurs as large-scale student demonstrations sweep across Serbia, ignited by the collapse of an awning at a train station in Novi Sad last November, resulting in 16 fatalities. Protesters have pointed fingers at government officials and associated enterprises for alleged misconduct throughout the station’s recent refurbishment process.
In the meantime, approximately 100 Serbian students are embarking on a bicycle journey towards the European Parliament in Strasbourg. These protesters anticipate arriving the following week with the intention of bringing attention to the continuous demonstrations in Serbia through discussions with EU officials.
A lot of Serbian students believe they have not gotten sufficient assistance from the European Union, even though they have received considerable support domestically.
Major economic stakes for France
Even with the political instability, France maintains significant economic interests in Serbia.
Last summer, Belgrade bought 12 French Rafale fighter planes for around €3 billion.
On Wednesday, Vučić told journalists that Serbia plans to make the second payment of over €400 million on Thursday.
Macron’s announcement on social media also verified France's involvement in the 2027 Expo in Belgrade, demonstrating evident backing for Vučić.
France is similarly engaged in various infrastructure and energy initiatives within Serbia. A French firm, Vinci, manages Belgrade's airport, while another French corporation, Michelin, produces tires in the nation.
A major point of discussion on Wednesday was U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs.
Serbia has faced the greatest impact in the area, bearing tariffs of 34%, which exceeds the 20% rate applied to the European Union, thus exerting pressure on French entities involved.
Stability in the region up for discussion
Macron said that during their talks, they addressed the continuing political turmoil in neighboring Bosnia to Serbia, emphasizing France’s steadfast backing for the nation’s unity and denouncing any moves that could undermine its constitutional framework.
The tensions have escalated following Mr. Dodik's conviction last month, as he is a close political associate of Vučić.
The State Court convicted Dodik to serve one year in prison and imposed a ban on him holding public office for six years due to his refusal to acknowledge the rulings made by the High Representative, who serves as the international community’s representative ensuring compliance with the peace accord in the Western Balkans nation. Dodik has the right to contest this decision through an appeal.
The French leader likewise emphasized France’s dedication to facilitating normalized relations between Serbia and Kosovo, describing it as "a crucial prerequisite" for both nations' ambitions regarding European Union membership.
Belgrade does not acknowledge Pristina’s sovereignty since Pristina proclaimed independence in 2008. Several dialogues initiated by Brussels between these parties have been unsuccessful over the past few years.