Thousands attend funeral of Bosnian Serb war criminal in Belgrade despite EU warnings

Serbian officials attended the state funeral of former army chief Ratko Mladić on Saturday, despite earlier assurances that no serving ministers would be present. The ceremony featured Mladić’s coffin draped in the national flag, with his military medals prominently displayed, and was attended by members of the government alongside other dignitaries.

The European Union responded to the event, stating that any glorification of convicted war criminals “has no place in the EU or in EU candidate countries.” EU officials emphasized that the presence of serving officials at the funeral contradicts the bloc’s expectations for candidate states, underscoring ongoing concerns about Serbia’s adherence to EU standards on rule of law and reconciliation.