Thewesternbalkans.
According to some media in France and Serbia, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace late on 13 of November 2025. The three-hour talks covered Serbia’s EU accession process, defence ties, key bilateral agreements and the geopolitical situation.
Vučić said he expected France to remain “a sincere ally and friend” and expressed confidence that Serbia could make progress on its path to the European Union in the coming year. “Much depends on us, but I believe we will have support,” he told reporters after the meeting.
He said Serbia and France would surpass €2 billion in bilateral trade this year for the first time. The leaders also discussed artificial intelligence, with Serbia planning to buy what Vučić described as the most advanced supercomputer in Southeast Europe.
Vučić said Serbia aimed to sign a contract by Dec. 15 with France’s Alstom to build the first line of the Belgrade metro. Talks also covered military cooperation, including the assembly of Airbus helicopters in Serbia and possible purchases, as well as Mistral systems and Rafale missiles.
Vučić said they also examined global security issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, and ways “to reach peace.”
Vučić dismissed domestic criticism over plans involving Serbia’s General Staff building, saying the project involved a long-term lease rather than a sale, and would bring major investment into construction. “Nothing is being sold,” he said.
He said Serbia had already invested €30 million in preliminary studies for future nuclear energy projects, describing nuclear power as “the cleanest energy” and the only viable long-term solution. “In 15 years we will not even have coal,” he said.
Vučić also briefed Macron on the situation surrounding Serbia’s oil company NIS, saying a Serbian delegation would meet U.S. officials on Friday-14 of November. “I hope we will know more tomorrow,” he said.
He added that Macron may visit Belgrade soon. “It is possible we will see him in Belgrade very soon,” Vučić said, calling the meeting “a very good and excellent conversation.”
Earlier in the evening, Macron hosted a formal welcome ceremony for Vučić before their working dinner at the Elysee.
The discussions took place on the anniversary of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris.
Comments: It is interesting to know that before the meeting with the French President, Vučić commented on the words of the Chief of General Staff of the French Armed Forces Fabien Mandon. The general said that the French army should be ready for a possible war with Moscow in the next 3-4 years. In this connection Vucic added that the war between Europe and Russia is becoming increasingly likely.
“We are between a hammer and an anvil. We need to twist a little bit. On the other hand, we have to continue to strengthen the army. We are arming ourselves wisely. And we must continue to invest heavily to be able to defend our country,” he added.
On the other hand, for over a year now, Vučić has been playing his cards very cleverly, securing personal support from almost all European leaders, as well as from the leaders of most member states. He apparently managed to convince his European partners of the importance of the country he represents, and the potential of the business ideas being implemented.
