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French President Emmanuel Macron had a private lunch meeting with Serbian President Aleksander Vučić in Paris on Wednesday. This meeting occurred at a time when Vučić is facing escalating political pressure at home.
The Élysée provided no initial official information about the meeting, including which topics were discussed.
Later, Macron shared the main points from their conversation on social media platform X.
“I first reaffirmed the importance that France attaches to the democratic and European future of Serbia,” Macron posted.
He expressed confidence in Serbia’s capacity to “return to the path of dialogue” and called on the future government to pursue “the expected reforms” and build on the country’s recent economic growth.
The visit comes amid significant anti-government protests in Serbia. Demonstrators accuse Vučić’s government of corruption and violence.
A group of approximately 100 Serbian students is currently cycling to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, expected to arrive next week, to inform EU authorities about the situation in their country.
Many Serbian students feel they have not received adequate support from the European Union, despite widespread support at home.
The protests were triggered by the deaths of 16 people in a train station canopy collapse in November.
The incident was attributed to widespread corruption and has focused broader discontent with Vučić’s populist rule in Serbia.
Significant economic interests for France
Despite the political unrest, France has significant economic interests in Serbia.
Last summer, Belgrade purchased 12 French Rafale fighter jets for €3 billion.
Vučić confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that Serbia will pay its second installment of more than €400 million on Thursday.
Macron’s statement on social media also confirmed France’s participation in the 2027 Expo in Belgrade—a clear indication of support for Vučić.
France is also involved in broader infrastructure and energy projects in Serbia. The French company Vinci operates Belgrade’s airport, and Michelin manufactures tires in the country. There is also talk of France helping Serbia build nuclear power plants.
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Another crucial issue discussed on Wednesday was Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Serbia has been the hardest hit in the region by tariffs—higher than the 20% imposed on the EU—which has put pressure on French interests.
Regional stability under discussion
Macron stated that the two leaders discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing France’s “unwavering support for the unity of this country” and condemning any action that would threaten its constitutional order.
Tensions have escalated following last month’s conviction of Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, a close political ally of Vučić.
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Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison and banned from holding public office for six years by the State Court for refusing to accept the decisions of the international High Representative overseeing the peace agreement in this divided Balkan country.
The French leader also reaffirmed France’s commitment to the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo—citing it as “a crucial condition” for both countries’ EU aspirations.
Belgrade doesn’t recognize the sovereignty of Pristina, which declared independence in 2008. Numerous Brussels-led attempts at appeasement and dialogue have failed in recent years.
