Macron's Praise for Serbian President Driven by Business Interests, Journalist Claims

French President Emmanuel Macron's public commendation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the recent EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat appears to be rooted in economic interests rather than a genuine assessment of democratic progress, according to journalist Milica Cubrilo Filipovic.

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I truly believe in the positive momentum regarding Serbia and your President Aleksandar Vucic.

Macron was notably the sole European leader at the summit to openly praise Vucic, expressing belief in Serbia's imminent reform phase and urging the EU to open additional negotiating clusters. "I truly believe in the positive momentum regarding Serbia and your President Aleksandar Vucic," Macron told reporters. However, Cubrilo Filipovic, a journalist with Courrier des Balkans, argued that France prioritizes its business dealings over concerns about the rule of law and democratic standards in Serbia. "France places economic interests above the principles of the rule of law and everything that should be respected in the EU integration process," she stated.

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France places economic interests above the principles of the rule of law and everything that should be respected in the EU integration process.

Cubrilo Filipovic suggested Macron's focus is not on the realities within Serbia, citing instances where Vucic received official welcomes in France despite domestic issues. While France, alongside Germany, has advocated for accelerating EU enlargement, Cubrilo Filipovic questioned the impact of Macron's support alone, noting that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized Serbia's need to decide its own future path. "Then the question becomes whether Vucic should even be trusted when he says Serbia is committed to the European path," she added.

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I do not think Macron is interested in what is actually happening in Serbia. When students were being beaten, Macron hosted Vucic and welcomed him to an official lunch.

France's economic footprint in Serbia has grown substantially. French firms like Alstom, Egis Rail, and RATP are key players in the Belgrade metro construction, with a €915 million deal for equipment and trains already secured. Serbia is also purchasing 12 French Rafale fighter jets for €2.7 billion and previously acquired Mistral air defense systems. Further economic ties include VINCI Airports operating Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport and Suez managing the Vinča landfill project. France is also poised to contribute to Serbia's advancements in high-performance computing, AI infrastructure, and potentially a future civilian nuclear program.

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Then the question becomes whether Vucic should even be trusted when he says Serbia is committed to the European path.