Editorial: Le Monde

• Dassault Aviation's Rafale combat aircraft is achieving success abroad, boosting French arms exports to second place in the world.
• The latest Rafale contract was signed in Serbia, worth close to 3 billion euros.
• The commercial success of this deal is undeniable but its diplomatic dimension is controversial, due to Serbia's close ties with Russia.
• Serbia's stance on Moscow raises question marks, as it does not apply sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU and continues to maintain business ties.
• The Rafale sale is viewed as a strategy of tethering Serbia to Europe and a historic and strategic shift.
• There is a fear that the Rafale's technology and knowledge could be exposed to Russians and Chinese in Serbia.
• The most powerful driver of Serbia's integration into Europe is not found in arms sales, but in overcoming nationalism and autocratic management.

Conclusion: Rafale's sale can help strengthen Serbia's ties with Europe, but full integration also depends on internal political changes within Serbia.

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