BELGRADE, Serbia: France and Serbia are expected to sign a multi-billion euro agreement for the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets during French President Emmanuel Macron’s two-day visit to Belgrade, which begins on Thursday.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed optimism about finalizing the deal this week, calling it a significant step in enhancing military-technical cooperation between the two countries.
The potential deal is one of several agreements expected to be signed during Macron’s visit. According to a source from the French presidency, “intense discussions” are underway, with hopes of reaching a final agreement on the jets during the visit.
France has been increasing its economic engagement with Serbia in recent years, with French companies involved in major infrastructure projects, including the renovation of Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport and the construction of the city’s first metro station and a new wastewater treatment plant. The Rafale deal is seen as a strategic move by Vucic to strengthen ties with France, potentially securing political support from President Macron.
Serbia has also taken steps to align itself more closely with the European Union. In July, Serbia signed an agreement with the EU to develop its lithium supply, a critical resource for Europe’s green energy transition. Additionally, Serbia has sold substantial amounts of ammunition to Western countries, despite maintaining a neutral stance on sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
However, Serbia’s EU membership prospects remain uncertain without normalizing relations with Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia has yet to recognize Kosovo’s independence, a significant obstacle to its EU accession.
