EU institution leaders blast Serbia over 'shocking' Ratko Mladić's funeral

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Published: 2026-09-08 • Permanent link

Mournful silence descended on Belgrade yesterday as EU institution leaders expressed outrage over the 'shocking' funeral procession of Ratko Mladić, the notorious Bosnian war criminal. The Serbian government's decision to honor Mladić with military honors, complete with a 21-gun salute, has sparked widespread condemnation from the international community. The EU's Ursula von der Leyen and Josep Borrell called the event a 'grave mistake' that undermines Serbia's bid to join the bloc. The incident has also drawn criticism from human rights groups, who see it as a tacit endorsement of Mladić's heinous crimes.

Rising tensions in the Middle East have sent shockwaves through the global energy market, with oil prices surging towards $100 a barrel. The Houthi rebel group's attack on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq oil processing facility on Saturday resulted in significant damage to critical infrastructure, prompting a swift response from the Saudi-led coalition. The attack has also led to a surge in oil prices, with Brent crude jumping by over 5% in a single day. The sudden price hike is expected to have a ripple effect on the global economy, with many investors bracing for a potential downturn.

The recent escalation in tensions between the US and China has been compared to the 1970s oil crisis, when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an oil embargo on the West in response to US support for Israel. However, experts warn that the current situation is far more complex, with multiple players involved and a range of underlying factors driving the price surge. The attack on Abqaiq has highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the Middle East, and the need for greater investment in security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the global energy market continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Abqaiq attack, investors are watching closely for signs of a potential price correction. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that a prolonged price surge could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, including higher inflation and reduced economic growth. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition is working to restore production at the Abqaiq facility, with a team of experts from around the world on the ground to assess the damage and provide support. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the global energy market.