Kriegsverbrecher: „Schockierend“ – EU droht Serbien wegen Mladic-Begräbnis mit Konsequenzen

Brussels - The European Union is threatening to impose consequences on Serbia due to the glorification of the deceased war criminal Ratko Mladic. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa expressed dismay at the government representatives' failure to address a dark chapter in recent European history following Mladic's funeral.

The official display of support and the presence of high-ranking Serbian officials at the funeral were deeply regrettable, conflicting with the values underpinning Serbia's path to the European Union. A EU Commission spokesperson said that possible next steps are currently being examined, with diplomatic sources suggesting Serbia could face actions such as the suspension of progress in the EU accession process or financial consequences like the freezing of current assistance payments.

Serbia has been an EU candidate since 2012, with official negotiations ongoing since 2014. The Bosnian-Serbian war criminal Mladic, who died in prison, was buried in Belgrade's Topcider cemetery on Monday with all state and military honors. Thousands gathered for the ceremony, according to Serbian media, and a military honor guard escorted the casket, with soldiers firing shots.