Remarks by Albania on the funeral ceremony of Ratko Mladić

Permanent Council meeting 1577; 17 September 2026, Vienna

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

As stated by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ferit Hoxha, Albania condemns the glorification of Ratko Mladić, a convicted war criminal who died while serving a life sentence for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

We join the European Union, its leaders and all those who have rightly condemned the manner in which he was honoured and commemorated in Serbia. Our position has been clear and remains consistent: the glorification of convicted war criminals, the denial of genocide and historical revisionism run contrary to the values upon which the European project is built and undermine the spirit of reconciliation, cooperation and good-neighbourly relations that are essential to a shared future in the Western Balkans.

Such acts do more than reopen the wounds of the past. They dishonour victims and survivors, erode trust between communities and people. Albania firmly believes that genuine reconciliation can only be built on truth, accountability, respect for victims and survivors, and a shared commitment to ensuring that the crimes of the past are never repeated. Our region has a future to build together. That future must be European: rooted in peace, reconciliation, cooperation, mutual respect and unwavering respect for the memory of those who suffered from the horrors of war.

Thank you