Macron presses Serbia to align with the EU over Russia ties

Monday 04 August 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Macron presses Serbia to align with the EU over Russia ties

Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his call for Serbia to embrace its European future, urging the country to prioritize its EU membership aspirations over its longstanding ties with Russia. In a phone conversation with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Macron emphasized the importance of reform and dialogue in moving Serbia closer to the European Union.

"I reaffirmed my belief that Serbia’s destiny is with Europe and expressed my hope that it can advance on the path of reforms and accession," Macron stated on X (formerly Twitter). His comments reflect growing EU concerns over Serbia’s delicate balancing act between Moscow and Brussels.

Serbia’s tightrope between East and West

Despite its candidate status for EU membership, Serbia maintains close relations with Russia. President Vucic’s government continues to rely on Russian gas imports and has refrained from imposing sanctions on Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These actions have drawn criticism across Europe as Serbia seeks deeper economic ties with the EU while preserving its partnership with the Kremlin.

Domestically, Vucic faces mounting challenges. Large-scale protests erupted in June following a deadly railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 16 people and reignited public anger over corruption. Demonstrators have called for early elections, adding to pressures on the Serbian president.

France prioritizes Balkan stability

Macron also highlighted the importance of stability and rule of law in the Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to the sovereignty of Bosnia and condemned actions undermining its fragile peace agreement. This comes after Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison and barred from holding office for six years. Dodik, backed by Vucic, has rejected the ruling, escalating tensions in the region.

The episode underscores the EU’s challenge of navigating Serbia’s political landscape while encouraging reforms necessary for accession. Macron’s statements reflect France’s broader aim of fostering European unity in the face of external pressures from Russia.