Latest news in Serbia? September 8th, 2026

The main news developments in Serbia for September 8, 2026:

• Backlash Over Ratko Mladić’s Funeral: European Union leaders and regional officials strongly condemned Serbia following the burial of Bosnian Serb wartime commander Ratko Mladić with military honors in Belgrade. The EU foreign service criticized the public homage as incompatible with candidate-nation values, prompting the EU Enlargement Commissioner to cancel an official visit. President Aleksandar Vučić defended the gathering against Western criticism amid heightened political rhetoric. The Guardian+ 2
• Trade and Industrial Cooperation with Uzbekistan: Serbia and Uzbekistan announced a Joint Action Plan for the Development of Industrial Partnership for 2026–2028, advancing talks toward a potential free-trade agreement that would position Serbia as Uzbekistan’s first free-trade partner in Europe. Dunyo
• Regional Energy Integration: Serbia, alongside North Macedonia, advanced participation in the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative aimed at diversifying natural gas routes and enhancing regional energy security.
• Domestic Politics and Upcoming Elections: Political tensions continue to rise ahead of expected early parliamentary elections, framed by domestic disputes over government oversight, civil surveillance allegations, and relations with the West.