EU leaders condemn Serbia’s funeral honors for Ratko Mladic, raising doubts over membership bid
Summary
European Union leaders expressed shock after Serbia held a funeral with military honors for Ratko Mladic, a Bosnian Serb general convicted of genocide and war crimes. The EU questioned Serbia’s readiness to join because the funeral showed official support for a figure linked to severe crimes in Europe’s recent history.Key Facts
- Ratko Mladic died while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes from the Bosnia war.
- Serbia held a funeral with military honors for Mladic in Belgrade.
- The Serbian Orthodox Church’s Patriarch led the funeral service.
- Some Serbian government ministers attended the funeral, but President Aleksandar Vucic did not; his son was present.
- EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa called the funeral and official support for Mladic "shocking" and "regrettable."
- The EU said the funeral shows Serbia has not fully faced its past crimes and doubted its values match those needed to join the EU.
- Mladic remains seen as a hero by many in Serbia despite his conviction.
- Serbia is trying to balance supporting Mladic’s supporters and maintaining its goal to join the EU, with upcoming elections playing a role.
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