EPP: Mladic funeral scenes to affect SNS's associate status

The EPP Political Assembly, meeting in Toulouse, France, said the scenes from Mladic's funeral in Belgrade had been deeply disturbing, citing public and state honours for him, the participation of senior Serbian officials and open expressions of support in public places. It said such actions were deeply concerning and at odds with the values of reconciliation, respect for victims and accountability underpinning the European project.

The assembly said these recent events could not be ignored as part of the ongoing review of the SNS's status.

EPP President Manfred Weber announced the launch of an internal review of the SNS's role within the centre-right grouping in September last year.

Because of the SNS's associate membership, the EPP has faced pressure from other political groups over Serbia's continued close ties with Russia and China, its refusal to align with EU foreign policy, and its crackdown on student movements and civic protests. The pressure intensified following Mladić's funeral.

Earlier this month, the EPP confirmed that it had launched proceedings against the SNS, citing, among other things, the glorification of war criminals.

Although the EPP had intended to decide on the SNS's status by mid-year, no decision has yet been made. It is believed to be delaying the decision because Aleksandar Vučić's party still has the support of some EPP member parties.