EU Condemns Serbia Funeral for Ratko Mladic as Accession Talks Face Setback

European Union Leaders React to Military Funeral in Belgrade

BELGRADE, Serbia — European Union leaders strongly condemned Serbia on Tuesday after a state-style funeral was held in Belgrade for former Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic, who died while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes committed during the Bosnian War.

Mladic was honored with military salutes during the service, which was attended by senior Serbian government ministers and Russia's ambassador. The ceremony was conducted by the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

EU Accession Talks and Funding Threatened

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa described the ceremony as a severe setback for Serbia's aspirations to join the European Union.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled an official diplomatic visit to Serbia, warning that the government's actions could jeopardize access to significant European Union development funding.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic defended the service as an emotional event, while European officials reiterated that honoring convicted war criminals raises serious doubts regarding Serbia's commitment to democratic and human rights principles.