Serbia formally aspires to join the European Union, but under the increasingly autocratic government of President Alexander Vučić it has made little progress in the areas of rule of law and democratic reforms, which are the main preconditions for accession to the bloc.
The French president Emmanuel Macron has signed an agreement with President Aleksandar Vučić to sell 12 Rafale fighter jets to Serbiain a move that distances Belgrade from its dependence on Russian weapons.
The announcement about the multirole fighter jets was made during a joint press conference in Belgrade, which Macron visits in an attempt to strengthen Serbia’s ties with the European Union.
Macron called the agreement “historic and important” and praised Serbia for its “demonstration of European spirit.”
“Serbia’s choice of Rafale fighter jet It was a clear choice that represents a long-term alliance between our two countries, within a stronger and more sovereign Europe. This choice is part of our strategic autonomy and makes it stronger,” he declared. Serbia needs to modernize its fleet and Vučić said the Rafale deal was “great news.”
Russia has been the traditional supplier of military aircraft, including combat helicopters, to Serbiawhich has refused to join international sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
EU accession negotiations
In a letter to the Serbian public published in local media on Thursday, Macron tried to encourage the Balkan nation to pursue its future in the EUbut noted that “the prospect of joining the European Union does not appear to be as attractive as it should be.”
He cited “concerns and fatigue about the pace of accession talks, but also sometimes a kind of resentment, even distrust” towards the EU.
“Today I come again to Serbia with a simple message: The European Union and its nations need to have a strong and democratic Serbia in their ranks and Serbia needs a strong and sovereign European Union to defend and promote its interests while respecting its identity,” Macron said in the letter, published in the liberal daily Danas.
Macron also warned that following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Serbia’s “balancing game” between world powers is an “illusion.” He said that Serbia will only be able to protect its interests and preserve its identity as part of the EU.
The rapid arming of the Serbian army has worried some of its neighbors following the bloody breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Serbia is almost completely surrounded by NATO member countries.
The sale of Rafales to Russia’s ally Serbia, which has at times expressed an aggressive stance toward its Balkan neighbors, has raised some concerns, one of which is How France plans to prevent the sophisticated Rafale technology from being shared with Russia.
Additional sources • Enrique Barrueco (Voice-over)
