Milic: We might hear an affirmative stance from Macron on Serbia's more constructive role in dialogue

The situation in Kosovo, including the issue of the bridge on the Ibar River, as well as the general question of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina in the context of Serbia's European integration, will likely be among the topics discussed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic during Macron's visit to Serbia, Dimitrije Milic, Program Director of the organization "New Third Way," says to Kosovo Online.

He adds that Emmanuel Macron is unlikely to criticize Belgrade's policy toward the dialogue during his visit to Serbia, as Macron has generally not criticized Serbia regarding Kosovo.

"It is more likely that we will hear an affirmative stance regarding Serbia's more constructive role, while if there is any form of criticism or suggestion, I believe it will be directed more towards Priština, considering that we have already heard such a tone from the French state in recent days. We have the address of the two leaders on the first day of the visit, and we will likely hear something more detailed about the Kosovo issue, and I would say there will be deeper discussions beyond what the public will see," Milic says.

In addition to the Kosovo issue, which is, as he says, always a topic with all Western leaders and officials, this time during Macron's visit, more discussions are expected on economic cooperation and energy issues, which have emerged as a new topic in relations between Serbia and France since the Serbian President's last visit to France earlier this year.

"This will likely be linked to the reassessment concerning nuclear energy, considering that this is a topic France has discussed with many other countries, such as Kazakhstan, which will soon have a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant on its territory, with French assistance. Of course, there is also the issue of armaments, which has arisen with the topic of purchasing 'Rafales' from France, although it has not yet been confirmed whether a contract will definitely be signed. What we can see in international media is that discussions are ongoing, and efforts are being made to remove the existing obstacles. This thematic framework will also include discussions on artificial intelligence and green energy," Milic explains.