French President Macron: Serbia’s place is definitely in the EU

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the European Union (EU) needs a strong Serbia and said, “Serbia’s place is definitely in the EU.”

Macron, who is in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, for an official visit, met with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic after the welcoming ceremony at the Serbian Palace and held a joint press conference.

Macron, who came to Belgrade upon Vucic’s invitation, recalled that he visited Serbia in 2019 and said, “A lot has changed in bilateral relations in the last 5 years. Economic cooperation between the two countries has strengthened. Infrastructure projects are being implemented.”

Macron, pointing out that bilateral relations are getting stronger day by day, said, “The EU and its member states need a strong Serbia. Serbia also needs a strong and sovereign EU. Serbia’s place is definitely in the EU because it can be an important example, especially for the countries in the region, within the EU. We will continue to support Serbia in this regard.”

Evaluating Serbia’s signing of an agreement to purchase 12 Rafale fighter jets from France, Macron said, “This represents a long-term alliance between the two countries. It also contributes to our strategic cooperation. We are building our defense together.”

Vucic’s “Rafale” statement

Vucic also pointed to the agreement signed for the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France, saying: “This is an important signal of trust between France and Serbia. We only want to protect our country.”

Vucic, who described the signing of the agreement for the purchase of fighter jets as “big news”, said that the agreement included the purchase of 12 Rafale fighter jets worth 2.7 billion euros.

Vucic stated that he and Macron discussed strategic and bilateral relations as well as Serbia’s EU membership process, and said, “France is Serbia’s traditional friend. Our foreign trade volume is growing. I have endless confidence in the friendship between the two countries.”

When asked whether Serbia’s purchase of Rafale from France would bring the country closer to the EU, Vucic said, “I know that Emmanuel (Macron) would want us to impose sanctions on Russia, but I am not ashamed of our decision. I share all my decisions with my people.”

The two leaders also attended the signing ceremony of 12 cooperation agreements in the fields of digital technology, mining, energy, science, tourism and agriculture, including the purchase of Rafale type fighter jets manufactured by the French company Daussault.

Meanwhile, the plane carrying French President Macron was accompanied by “Mig-29” type fighter jets belonging to the country’s army in Serbian airspace.

Macron to continue his contacts in Serbia tomorrow

Macron, who will continue his visit to Serbia tomorrow, is expected to attend the “Youth and Artificial Intelligence Forum” in Novi Sad accompanied by Serbian leader Vucic.

Macron will conclude his two-day visit to Serbia after a ceremony at Nikola Tesla Airport in the capital Belgrade.