French President Emmanuel Macron recently engaged in discussions with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, highlighting the importance of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

During their conversation, the leaders reviewed the relations between Serbia and France and agreed to enhance their cooperation.

Vučić also extended an invitation to Macron to visit Serbia, signaling a desire for closer ties.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to dialogue, peace, cooperation, and prosperity, emphasizing these as national priorities for Serbia.

Macron concluded the conversation by stressing that Europe and the Western Balkans must work together in unity and responsibility to achieve their shared destiny.

He also underscored France's dedication to the stability, unity, and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with the importance of upholding the rule of law in the region.

Despite ongoing discussions, Serbia continues to rely heavily on Russian gas and has not imposed sanctions on Russia since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in February 2022.

Serbia remains a key ally of Moscow in Europe, showing reluctance to align with EU sanctions against Russia.

The political landscape in Serbia is currently tense, with mass protests occurring in June 2025 demanding early elections after a tragic train station roof collapse in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 deaths attributed to corruption.

In a related political development, Milorad Dodik, the Bosnian Serb leader, was sentenced to one year in prison for refusing to acknowledge the authority of the international high representative in Bosnia.

Vučić criticized Dodik's conviction, warning that it could trigger an unprecedented crisis in the region.

Serbia's EU integration negotiations, which began in 2013, have faced obstacles due to ongoing tensions with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.