Macron's Push for Serbian Rafale Deal Amid EU Membership Talks

French President Emmanuel Macron visits Serbia to discuss the sale of 12 Rafale fighter jets, aiming to strengthen Serbia's ties with the EU. The visit also addresses Serbia's EU membership aspirations and the need for democratic reforms under President Aleksandar Vucic's rule.

French President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a two-day state visit to Serbia with a key focus on the potential sale of 12 Rafale multi-purpose fighter jets. The deal, expected to be announced during his meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, is reportedly valued at 3 billion Euros (USD 3.3 billion).

An official from Macron's office revealed that the fighter jet talks are part of a broader strategy to bring Serbia closer to the European Union. Serbia aims to modernize its fleet and may choose the Rafale jets over Russian alternatives.

Despite Serbia's formal pursuit of EU membership, little progress has been made in critical areas such as the rule of law and democratic reforms under the increasingly autocratic rule of President Vucic. Macron emphasized the need for a strong and democratic Serbia within the EU, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The French President will also visit a museum, attend an economic forum on artificial intelligence, and discuss potential nuclear energy cooperation with EDF during his stay.

(With inputs from agencies.)