The European Union has voiced strong objections to Serbia’s intention to accord former Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic state and military honors at his burial. Mladic, who died last Thursday while serving a life sentence at The Hague for war crimes committed during the 1990s Bosnian conflict, remains a contentious figure due to his conviction for genocide and crimes against humanity.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos condemned Serbia’s plan, emphasizing that celebrating convicted war criminals contradicts fundamental European values and is incompatible with countries aspiring to join the Union. Speaking on Friday, Kos reiterated that Mladic’s record, which includes the genocide in Srebrenica and other crimes, would be a critical factor in assessing Serbia’s progress toward EU membership.

Serbia’s Justice Minister Nenad Vujic responded by affirming that Mladic would be given all the military and state honors deemed appropriate. Serbian officials are currently awaiting confirmation from authorities in The Hague regarding the release of Mladic’s remains for burial.

The issue arises amid ongoing Balkan efforts to align with European institutions, with Serbia among the countries seeking accession to the European Union. Commissioner Kos announced she would visit Serbia on September 9 to engage directly with officials amid concerns over developments related to Mladic’s legacy and its implications for regional reconciliation.

Mladic, who had suffered multiple strokes in recent months, was serving a life sentence following his conviction by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). His crimes include orchestrating the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica, Europe’s worst atrocity since World War II, along with other war crimes during the Bosnian war. The controversy over his burial honors highlights persistent tensions in the Balkans over wartime legacies and the path toward integration with European structures.