Sretenovic: During Macron's visit, the identity importance of the Kosovo issue for Serbia should be pointed out

During the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Serbia, the French side should be made aware of the importance of protecting Serbian cultural heritage in the southern Serbian province and the identity significance of the Kosovo issue for Serbia and its citizens, as well as how the international community often violates proclaimed principles for certain political interests when supporting Kosovo's independence, historian Stanislav Sretenovic says to Kosovo Online.

As he notes, there should be no illusions that Macron's visit to Serbia will change France's general stance on the Kosovo issue.

"The French side should certainly be made aware of the double standards where independence is supported in some cases, like in the Serbian case, but not in others, like in the Ukrainian case. These are all arguments that can be presented, and I believe that Serbian diplomacy will do so. This will not change France's general stance, but Serbia might be able to count on more understanding from the French side for its position in UNESCO and the Council of Europe. It is likely that the French side can be influenced to at least hear the Serbian argument regarding the cultural and historical significance of Kosovo for Serbia and its identity significance, and perhaps gain French support along with other Latin European Union countries like Italy and Spain for Serbia's position in UNESCO and the Council of Europe," Sretenovic emphasizes.

He also says that there should be an insistence on concrete situations, such as protecting the Serbian people in Kosovo, ensuring no more arrests of Serbs for political views, and resolving specific issues for the benefit of all citizens.

"The Serbian side will probably insist on the implementation of what has been agreed upon, starting with the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities," says Sretenovic, who reminds us that Macron is visiting Serbia for the second time in five years, which shows that he sees Serbia as an equal partner.

He points out that this visit is one in a series of meetings between President Macron and President Vucic that have taken place recently.

"President Macron and President Vucic have built a personal friendship that is very significant in international relations today. Also, the visit of the French president comes in the context of good, upward Franco-Serbian bilateral relations, building on a centuries-old tradition of strong Franco-Serbian relations. It also comes on the 110th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, in which France and Serbia reaffirmed their alliance and achieved victory in 1918 through joint efforts," Sretenovic explains.

He believes that the economy will dominate the discussions during Macron's visit, noting that France currently employs about 12,000 Serbian workers in its companies in Serbia.

"Of course, it can be better; other European countries, especially Germany, employ significantly more Serbian workers. But this trend is upward. French investments have exceeded one billion euros, amounting to around 1.3 billion euros, and this should continue. French investments have recently faced some issues that the two presidents will certainly address, such as the situation with Nikola Tesla Airport, which has had its ups and downs. We will see this resolved with the placement of a plaque at the airport by the two presidents. There will probably also be discussions about the Belgrade metro, which involves some Chinese investments, and the French side is very cautious about Chinese capital, so there will surely be a demand for guarantees from the Serbian side to ensure that these investments are framed by good investment legislation," our interlocutor says.

He adds that the sale of French "Rafale" fighter jets, for which there is no confirmation that Serbia will purchase, is also likely to be a topic.

"There is talk that around three billion euros have been reserved for these aircraft. If one 'Rafale' costs more than 100 million euros, then according to that calculation, Serbia would acquire about 25 planes. The question arises whether that many planes are needed, but on the other hand, with these planes and French investments come people, maintenance materials, engineers, and French expertise that Serbia greatly needs. So, every investment is welcome. Another problem is that this type of investment may be profitable in the long term. I think Serbia needs quick, easy investments, even from small and medium-sized enterprises that are the product of market development, but certainly, business people will be present alongside Presidents Macron and Vucic," Sretenovic points out.

He also reminds us that the two presidents have announced that they will discuss energy, and perhaps some form of cooperation in the utilization of nuclear energy, noting that France has the top electricity company, EDF, which is currently the strongest power production company.

Regarding Macron's visit to Novi Sad, Sretenovic says that the Matica Srpska Gallery and Novi Sad have the opportunity to present and showcase many achievements of Serbian and European art to the French president. In Novi Sad, Macron will also meet with representatives of IT companies to discuss artificial intelligence, focusing on young people, knowledge, and the transfer of French expertise in IT technology.