Von der Leyen Condemns Mladic Funeral in Belgrade

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described images of the large turnout for the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic as “shocking”. She warned that Monday’s funeral in Belgrade could undermine Serbia’s efforts to join the European Union.

Von der Leyen said the signs of official support and the presence of some senior Serbian officials were particularly regrettable. She added that they demonstrated a failure to confront a dark chapter in Europe’s recent history and contradicted the values underpinning Serbia’s path toward EU membership.

European Council President António Costa echoed her criticism.

(Reuters, bak)