EU Enlargement Chief Cancels Serbia Visit Over Glorification of War Criminal Mladic
Quick Look
EU enlargement chief Marta Kos cancelled her planned visit to Serbia after condemning the glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic following his death, stating it contradicts EU values; Mladic's body was returned to Belgrade with military honours despite his UN conviction for genocide and war crimes.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ratko Mladic, known as the 'Butcher of Bosnia', was convicted in 2017 by a UN court for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the Bosnian War. He died at age 84 while serving a life sentence in The Hague. Serbia has been negotiating EU accession since 2014, but the process has stalled under President Aleksandar Vucic.
The European Union’s enlargement chief Marta Kos has cancelled her upcoming visit to Serbia over what she called the “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic following his death.
Kos took to X on Friday to condemn the “glorification surrounding his death”, saying it “is incompatible with the values on which the EU path is built”.
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Mladic’s body was flown from The Hague to Belgrade, where it was received with a guard of honour on Thursday, days before his scheduled burial.
“In this context, I have decided not to proceed with my planned visit to Serbia at this time,” Kos added.
Known as the “Butcher of Bosnia”, Mladic died at the age of 84 on August 27 while serving a life sentence in The Hague for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Bosnian War.
Despite a UN court conviction in 2017, Mladic is considered a hero by sections of the Serbian public and political establishment. Supporters were seen cheering as his body was driven through Belgrade on Thursday.
Regional N1 television quoted Serbian populist President Aleksandar Vucic as saying that Kos’s explanation was “very short but stupid”.
According to the Serbian government, Mladic will be buried with state and military honours.
Vucic also said that the government would provide “every kind of logistical and transport support” and that he expected tens of thousands to attend the funeral.
Serbia has been negotiating EU accession since 2014, but the process has stalled in recent years under Vucic.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The EU will issue a formal statement condemning the glorification of war criminals in Serbia.
Likely · Within days
Serbia's EU accession negotiations will experience further delays.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Marta Kos reschedule her visit to Serbia?
- How will the glorification of Mladic affect Serbia's EU accession timeline?
- What specific actions will the EU take in response to the glorification of war criminals?
- Will domestic political pressure in Serbia increase regarding EU integration?
