French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Paris has sparked controversy, occurring just two days after the funeral of Ratko Mladić, a convicted war criminal. The meeting, which took place on September 9, 2026, was not initially part of Macron’s official agenda and was added later by his communication team, according to reports from the French portal Off Investigation.
The timing of the meeting has drawn criticism from the European Union, as Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade was attended by ultranationalists and several Serbian government officials, despite his conviction for war crimes, including genocide during the Bosnian War. The EU has expressed concerns about Serbia’s glorification of war criminals, which could impact its aspirations for EU membership.
Vučić, who has a history of affiliations with ultranationalist groups, did not attend the funeral himself but sent several ministers, including those of justice and defense, to represent him. His son also attended the ceremony, which was led by Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church. This event has been condemned by EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who criticized the presence of Serbian officials at the funeral and described the images as “shocking.” Von der Leyen warned that such actions could harm Serbia’s EU accession process.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos canceled a planned visit to Serbia in protest, emphasizing that the glorification of individuals responsible for genocide contradicts the fundamental values of the EU. She stated that the path to EU membership requires not only legal alignment but also genuine reconciliation and respect for victims.
The meeting between Macron and Vučić, which took place on the sidelines of an international space summit, was characterized by Vučić as productive, with discussions on strengthening bilateral relations. Vučić expressed gratitude to Macron for his support and commitment to improving ties between Serbia and France. However, the French side reportedly preferred to keep the meeting low-profile, reflecting discomfort within French diplomacy regarding the timing and implications of the encounter.
France and Serbia have been negotiating lucrative arms deals, with Serbia shifting its military procurement from traditional suppliers Russia and China to Western partners. This strategic shift includes a significant agreement signed in 2024 for the purchase of 12 Rafale fighter jets from France, valued at 2.7 billion euros. The ongoing military cooperation between the two countries has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of Serbia’s recent actions.
The broader geopolitical context includes Serbia’s efforts to modernize its military arsenal and its partnerships with countries like Israel for the production of advanced weaponry. This military buildup has caused concern among neighboring countries, notably Croatia, which has expressed unease over Serbia’s growing military capabilities.
The meeting between Macron and Vučić highlights the tension between Serbia’s recent actions and its aspirations for closer ties with the EU. While France has been fostering closer relations with Serbia, particularly in the military sphere, the EU’s reaction to the Mladić funeral underscores the challenges Serbia faces in aligning with EU values. The situation remains delicate, with potential repercussions for Serbia’s EU candidacy and its diplomatic relations within Europe.
