EU warns Serbia over Mladic funeral as relations sour

On September 4, 2026, the European Union warned Serbia that the upcoming state funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic is a key test for its EU membership bid. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled her visit to Serbia in protest, and the EU Presidency called the funeral unacceptable. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić criticized Kos's explanation as brief and foolish, while also canceling a rally. Vučić claimed the intelligence agency BIA has evidence that students lied about being wiretapped, and said the EU will not admit Serbia. He also announced he is preparing to become prime minister and will call elections in the coming days.