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EU Commissioner Kos cancels trip to Serbia after planned tribute to Mladic - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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EU Commissioner Kos cancels trip to Serbia after planned tribute to Mladic

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 4, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: September 4, 2026

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EU Commissioner Cancels Serbia Visit Over Glorification of Ratko Mladic

EU-Serbia Relations Strained by Mladic Funeral Controversy

Background of the Incident

BRUSSELS, Sept 4 (Reuters) - European Union enlargement chief Marta Kos cancelled a trip to Serbia on Friday after a Serbian government plane took the body of former army commander and convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic to Belgrade for what is expected to be a huge funeral.

Mladic, who was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Bosnia's 1992-95 war, died last week in a U.N. detention facility in The Hague aged 84.

EU's Response and Statement

"The glorification surrounding his death is incompatible with the values on which the EU path is built. That path requires confronting the past, genuine reconciliation and respecting the victims of war crimes," Kos wrote on X.

"The values that underpin our common future are not negotiable."

Serbian Reaction

Mladic remained a revered figure among many Serbs in Serbia and in Bosnia's autonomous Serb Republic.

"Everything is expected, nothing new," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said after Kos cancelled her visit. "The explanation was extremely short, but stupid, as usual."

Funeral Arrangements and Political Fallout

A Serbian government minister said initially that Mladic would be given a state funeral but, following an outcry by European leaders, the government has not confirmed that.

A commemoration ceremony in the Army Hall building in central Belgrade is being organised by an association of retired generals. The funeral will be held in a church in a Belgrade suburb on Monday and Mladic will be buried at a cemetery beside his daughter.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro in Brussels and Ivana Sekularac in Belgrade, Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Timothy Heritage)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did EU chief Marta Kos cancel her planned trip to Serbia?
Marta Kos cancelled her visit after Serbia transported Ratko Mladic's body for a major funeral, citing incompatibility with EU values.
Who was Ratko Mladic and why is his funeral controversial?
Ratko Mladic was a convicted war criminal from Bosnia's 1992-95 war. His glorification and funeral sparked EU criticism.
How did Serbian officials react to the EU Commissioner's decision?
President Aleksandar Vucic called the explanation 'short but stupid,' while other officials expressed little surprise at the move.
Was Ratko Mladic given a state funeral in Serbia?
Despite initial suggestions, Serbian authorities did not confirm a state funeral after an outcry from European leaders.
Where is Ratko Mladic's funeral being held?
His funeral is set for a church in a Belgrade suburb, with burial beside his daughter scheduled for Monday.

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