AGP Executive Report

War Crimes & Diplomacy: Bosnia and Herzegovina escalated its protest over the Belgrade funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, expelling two Serbian diplomats (a military attaché and a Serbian intelligence-linked official) with 48-hour deadlines, while also withdrawing embassy staff from Serbia and cutting support for a regional cooperation declaration. EU Reaction: EU leaders and officials, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the “shocking” ceremony, saying Serbia’s glorification of Mladić is incompatible with EU values and undermines reconciliation in Bosnia and the region. UK Pressure: The UK summoned Serbia’s chargé d’affaires in London, calling the denial and “whitewashing” of Mladić’s crimes an affront to international law and a threat to regional stability. Election Tech: The Central Election Commission of BiH approved test elections for Sept. 11 (09:00–15:00) to simulate voting and check cyber security and digital forensic readiness ahead of the Oct. 4 general elections. US-BiH Links: Sarajevo Airport met the US Embassy to discuss establishing direct flights from Sarajevo to the United States and boosting security and economic cooperation. Weather Alert: A severe weather outbreak is forecast across parts of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic region, with risks of thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds and flooding.

Diplomatic Fallout: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian embassy officials—military attaché Milan Dulanović and BIA adviser Danko Maksimović—giving them 48 hours to leave, after Serbian state-linked figures attended the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade; Sarajevo also says it will not sign a regional good-neighbour declaration and plans to cut its diplomatic presence in Belgrade. EU/UK Pressure: EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa called the funeral “deeply regrettable” and “shocking,” while the UK summoned a Serbian diplomat to condemn state and military involvement. Wildfire Response: Bosnia’s Armed Forces stepped up wildfire operations in Bihac and Drvar, deploying personnel and aircraft support. Sarajevo Security Talks: EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo hosted an ambassadors’ roundtable focused on election-related risks and renewing embassy evacuation arrangements. Sports Spotlight: Bosnia’s Kerim Alajbegović earned a Ballon d’Or shortlist nomination for Young Talent of the Year, alongside stars like Lamine Yamal.

Diplomacy Fallout: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković says Sarajevo will recall embassy staff from Belgrade, suspend bilateral meetings, and cut communication with Serbia to the “lowest possible level” after Ratko Mladić’s funeral drew public honors and glorification. EU Pushback: EU leaders and officials condemned the turnout and official support, warning it undermines Serbia’s EU path; the EU also said glorification, genocide denial and revisionism have no place in the bloc or candidate countries. Regional Reaction: Türkiye joined the condemnation, saying attempts to glorify Mladić deepen victims’ suffering and damage reconciliation, while thousands attended the funeral in Belgrade. Sarajevo’s Message: Sarajevo Mayor Samir Avdić wrote to sister cities and Olympic bodies warning that relativizing crimes won’t erase verdicts or the memory of Srebrenica and Sarajevo. Accountability Gap: Bosnia’s prosecutor’s office says it received thousands of reports over glorification, but police and courts have filed no official reports—raising fresh anger over who will act. EUFOR Update: 460 EUFOR Operation Althea personnel received EU Common Security and Defence medals at Camp Butmir, marking continued mission readiness in Bosnia. Infrastructure: The Kvanj Tunnel breakthrough advanced the Kvanj-Buna motorway section on Corridor Vc, boosting links to Herzegovina and access to European markets.

Diplomacy Under Strain: Bosnia’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković says Sarajevo will recall embassy staff in Belgrade, suspend bilateral meetings, and cut communication with Serbia to the “lowest possible level” after Ratko Mladić’s glorification. EU Pushback: Brussels condemned the “glorification” of the convicted “Butcher of Bosnia,” warning it has no place in EU candidate countries. Public Funeral Fallout: Thousands attended Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade with military honours and Serbian Orthodox leadership, while Bosnia filed criminal complaints over related promotion. Regional Politics: Serbia moved toward snap parliamentary elections after proposing dissolution of parliament, with the funeral adding to already high tensions. Sports & Governance: In a separate controversy, Belgium’s football federation said it won’t support FIFA chief Gianni Infantino’s re-election, citing transparency issues tied to the Folarin Balogun case.

War Crimes & Justice: Crowds in Belgrade gathered for the funeral of convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić, with his body lying in state at St. Luke’s Church and plans for burial at Topčider Cemetery with military honors—while EU officials and U.S. lawmakers warned Serbia and Republika Srpska against honoring or “glorifying” him. Regional Politics: The controversy around Mladić’s state-style funeral is also tied to broader EU accession pressure, with Brussels cancelling or postponing Serbia visits over the planned ceremonies. Elections & Media: The OSCE Mission urged Bosnia’s authorities to protect the independence of the judiciary and the BHRT ahead of elections, stressing reliable public broadcasting and a safe environment for journalists. Public Safety: Wildfires burning across Bosnia’s border continued to send smoke toward Dubrovnik and Dalmatia, with Croatia and Bosnia coordinating firefighting help. Local Life & Culture: Sarajevo’s tourism rose in August, with the canton reporting an 8% year-on-year increase in arrivals and growth in overnight stays. Sports: Bosnian coach Nebojsa Kapor began his Hearts of Oak tenure with a 4-0 Ghana Premier League win over Berekum Chelsea, while Sarajevo hosted the Red Bull Soapbox Race after two decades.

War Crimes & Justice: Ratko Mladić will be buried in Belgrade on Sept. 7, with his son Darko urging a “people’s funeral” to avoid clashes; the repatriation and commemoration have been marked by state and church honours, keeping the controversy over genocide denial and EU accession pressure front and center. Wildfires & Cross-Border Smoke: Dubrovnik woke under a haze as smoke from a new blaze in Bosnia’s Popovo Polje drifted toward Croatia; firefighters say the city isn’t threatened, but the region has endured an unusually long summer of major cross-border fires. Media Freedom: The OSCE Mission urged Bosnia’s authorities to protect BHRT’s independence and ensure court decisions are respected ahead of elections, warning that public broadcasting must stay reliable and free. Israel–Republika Srpska Ties: Israel opened a Chamber of Commerce office in Banja Luka, deepening economic links with Republika Srpska amid wider international criticism of Israel’s Gaza war. Local Life & Economy: Sarajevo Canton reported an 8% rise in tourist arrivals in August, with international visitors up 14%, supported by events including the Sarajevo Film Festival. Sports: Bosnian coach Nebojsa Kapor’s Hearts of Oak began the Ghana Premier League with a 4-0 win over Berekum Chelsea, while Sarajevo hosted the Red Bull Soapbox Race returning after two decades.

Red Bull Soapbox Race Sarajevo: Forty teams across Bosnia are set to race today at Alipašino Field with handmade, engine-free cars on a 400-meter track—built for speed, safety checks, and creativity. World Bank Transport Findings: A new study says Albania gets the biggest return from transport spending in the Western Balkans, with Bosnia and Herzegovina seeing a lower benefit-to-cost ratio than its neighbors. Israel-Republika Srpska Economic Push: Israeli officials opened an Israeli Chamber of Commerce office in Banja Luka, signaling deeper ties with Republika Srpska leadership and a drive to turn political closeness into trade and investment links. US-BiH Diplomacy: Bosnia’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković met US Congressmen Gregory Murphy and Marc Veasey, focusing on stability, sovereignty, and energy cooperation. EUFOR at Sarajevo Security Conference: EUFOR commanders told participants they are ready to act proactively to prevent crises from escalating. EU vs Serbia over Mladić: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit, citing the “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić ahead of his burial. Bosnia Election Tech: Bosnia plans biometric voter identification at around 5,000 polling stations as the campaign period ramps up.

EU-BiH Relations: Acting High Representative Louis Crishock met a U.S. Congress delegation, reaffirming Washington’s backing for Bosnia’s stability and reform agenda. EU Enlargement Pressure: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit over the “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying there’s “no place” for praising war criminals on the EU path. Regional Security: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants, with NATO’s James Fowler warning that division rhetoric and malign foreign influence can threaten hard-won peace. Aviation Safety: BHANSA prepared an operational plan to manage rising drone traffic, including steps toward a U-space system. Culture in Sarajevo: Sarajevo opened the Museum of Islamic Culture and Art, preserving and presenting Islamic heritage with a focus on the Bosniak experience. Local Crime: In Tuzla, police are investigating a girl who injured two schoolgirls with a cold weapon; the victims’ injuries were not life-threatening. Politics Ahead of Elections: Bosnia’s general election campaign is set to begin Oct. 4, with biometric voter ID and ballot scanners planned for voting.

EU-Balkans Tensions: EU enlargement chief Marta Kos canceled a planned Serbia visit after what she called the “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, whose body was flown to Belgrade with military honours ahead of a Monday burial. Regional Security: Sarajevo hosted the 4th Sarajevo Security Conference with 300+ participants and 140 speakers, where NATO’s Bosnia chief warned against division rhetoric and foreign malign influence. Aviation Safety: BHANSA drafted an operational plan to manage the rapid rise in drone traffic, including steps toward a U-space system for safer airspace. Elections Integrity: Bosnia will roll out biometric voter ID, ballot scanners and electronic results transmission at about 5,000 polling stations for the 4 October general election. Public Safety: Police in Tuzla Canton are investigating a school knife attack where a girl injured two students; the suspect is under police surveillance. Culture & Heritage: Sarajevo officially opened the Museum of Islamic Culture and Art, presenting a permanent exhibition focused on Islamic heritage in Bosnia.

EU–Serbia Fallout Over Mladic: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit after what she called the “glorification” of convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić, whose body was flown to Belgrade and met with military honours ahead of a Monday burial. Bosnia Election Integrity Upgrade: Bosnia and Herzegovina will deploy biometric voter identification, ballot scanners and electronic result transmission at about 5,000 polling stations for the 4 October general elections, with the Central Election Commission calling it the biggest change in years. Local Security Capacity: Sarajevo Canton’s Interior Ministry began training a new helicopter unit, with the first co-pilots qualified for missions ranging from police interventions to search-and-rescue and firefighting. Regional Security Warning: EU envoy Luigi Soreca told a Sarajevo security conference that foreign interference is rising across the Western Balkans, linking EU enlargement to Europe’s broader security strategy. Sarajevo Event: Alipašino Polje hosts the free Red Bull Soapbox Race on Sunday, with 40 teams building motor-free homemade vehicles for a 400-metre course.

War Crimes & EU Pressure: Ratko Mladić’s body arrived in Belgrade on a Serbian government plane, received with military honours, as Serbia prepares a public viewing and a Monday burial at Topčider Cemetery—while EU officials, including Irish EU presidency minister Thomas Byrne and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, warned that any state funeral or participation by Serbian officials would be unacceptable and “glorification” of a convicted war criminal has no place in the EU. Election Campaign Watch: Bosnia’s general election campaign has officially opened, with the Central Election Commission urging strict respect for election law and a ban on hate speech, as analysts warn voters could see familiar patterns of public-money spending and ethno-national mobilisation—now intensified by Mladić’s death becoming a campaign issue. Energy & Living Costs: Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted its first home solar grants, with full funding for socially vulnerable households and partial support for others, aiming to cut bills through rooftop self-consumption. Border & Migration: Bosnia’s border police prevented nearly 100 migrants from illegally crossing into Croatia near Bistrica, seizing boats and identifying suspected smugglers. Local Security: Sarajevo tram driver faces indictment over a fatal derailment near the National Museum.

War Crimes & Reconciliation: Ratko Mladić’s remains were flown from The Hague to Belgrade on a Serbian government plane, received with military honours as Serbia prepares a funeral expected to draw “tens of thousands,” while EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos condemned any state-backed glorification of a convicted war criminal. Local Security: Bosnia’s border police stopped 96 people attempting illegal crossings near Bistrica on the BiH–Croatia border, seizing two boats and identifying suspected smugglers. Football & National Pride: Edin Džeko confirmed he will retire from international football after Bosnia’s Nations League match against Sweden on October 2, ending a 151-cap, 73-goal career. Regional Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform and media governance were adopted across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, aiming to strengthen journalism and curb disinformation. Sports Abroad (Bosnia link): Algeria is still searching for a successor to Bosnia’s Vladimir Petković, with local options under consideration as qualifiers approach.

Judicial Accountability in BiH: Reports to the Office of the Disciplinary Prosecutor jumped 30.5% in the first half of 2026, with complaints up 43%, as the HJPC heard claims of longer proceedings and undeclared assets among judges and prosecutors. Elections Tech & Integrity: Bosnia is rolling out biometric voter ID scanners and ballot scanners ahead of the Oct. 4 general elections, aiming to curb multiple voting and fraud, with EU officials calling it a step toward free and fair polls. Government Promises Fall Short: A monitoring report says blockades hampered delivery across BiH, with only 20 of 251 promises fulfilled at state level and just five of 106 in Republika Srpska. War Crimes Memory Clash: Lawmakers and survivor groups are pushing back against plans around Ratko Mladić’s burial, warning it could turn into a shrine and inflame denial and glorification. Sarajevo Water Watch: Sarajevo’s water supply is stable, but the ministry warns of drought risk and urges conservation. Public Service Under Pressure: BHRT says its accounts were blocked right as the election campaign starts, threatening election coverage and raising concerns about uneven enforcement. Sports Spotlight: Bosnia’s Marija Milinković helped Inter reach Women’s Champions League penalties, while Folarin Balogun’s Everton move collapsed over “treatment” and medical concerns.

War Crimes & Memory in Srebrenica: Republika Srpska authorities have banned all gatherings planned for 2 September in Srebrenica, including a rally supporting convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić and a separate peaceful event by survivor associations, citing security concerns. International Justice: Separate coverage highlights renewed global debate over the International Criminal Court and the US push to dismantle it, with concerns that powerful states may try to escape accountability. Public Broadcasting Under Pressure: BHRT says its accounts have been blocked right as the general election campaign begins, warning this could undermine citizens’ right to timely, professional election coverage. Water & Energy Stress: Sarajevo reports a stable water supply but warns of drought risk, while Zenica coal miners protest unpaid wages outside the Sarajevo government building. Diplomacy & EU Path: Bosnia’s foreign minister Elmedin Konaković is in Vienna for European integration talks, emphasizing EU membership as a strategic goal amid new security realities. Regional Cooperation: Sarajevo and Barcelona expand cooperation on projects to prevent and fight gender-based violence. Defense & Mine Clearance: Bosnia and Egypt discuss defense industry cooperation and joint production; Bosnia’s mine-action officials also stress financing and equipment gaps despite clearing about 80% of contaminated land. Sports (Bosnia-linked): Bosnia’s Amina Fejzić wins bronze at the Mediterranean Games in karate, and Bosnia’s basketball team beats Italy in World Cup qualifiers with Jusuf Nurkic starring.

War Crimes & Justice: Thousands of Bosnian Serbs held tributes in Banja Luka after Ratko Mladić’s death in The Hague, while EU officials warned Serbia against state honours that could damage its EU path. Legal Accountability: Bosnia’s final genocide-denial and war-criminal glorification convicts Vojin Pavlović and Miodrag Malić still have not started serving prison terms, according to the state court. International Diplomacy: Bosnia’s Foreign Ministry voiced full solidarity with Germany after allegations of a Russian cyberattack on Leipzig airport. Regional Mobility (Schengen): The European Commission says Schengen rules won’t change despite protests by Western Balkan professional drivers in Sarajevo, Belgrade, Podgorica and Skopje over the 90-in-180 stay cap. Sports (Local Interest): Nejra Sipović won bronze at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, adding to Bosnia’s medal haul. Tourism (RS): Republika Srpska is restarting 100 KM tourist vouchers from Sept. 7 to Nov. 30. Football (BiH-linked): The US striker Folarin Balogun’s Everton move collapsed after medical issues, with the saga repeatedly tied back to his World Cup red card involving Bosnia and Herzegovina.

War Crimes & Reconciliation: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned Serbia against granting state or military honours to Ratko Mladić after his death in The Hague, saying the “glorification of war criminals” has no place in the EU or candidate countries. EU Integration & Daily Life: The European Commission says Schengen rules won’t change despite protests by Western Balkan professional truck drivers over the 90-days-in-180-day cap tracked by the Entry/Exit system; drivers warn of border blockades from 14 September. Justice System Watch: Bosnia’s Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office filed an indictment against a tram driver over a fatal derailment near the National Museum, while also dropping an investigation into alleged tram brake and surveillance issues as non-criminal. Media Freedom & Safety: The OSCE Mission condemned threats and intimidation targeting Bosnia officials and journalists, urging authorities to act quickly and hold perpetrators accountable. EUFOR & Commemoration: EUFOR marked the 1992 Flight G222 tragedy in Bosnia by commemorating four Italian soldiers shot down on Mount Zec, with EUFOR leadership and the Italian ambassador attending. Regional Cooperation: Bosnia’s foreign minister Elmedin Konaković discussed faster, more predictable EU enlargement at the Bled Strategic Forum and met regional counterparts in Vienna. Local Governance & Funding: The Council of Ministers allocated 4 million BAM for Annex VII Dayton projects, with funds earmarked for refugee and displaced persons initiatives. Diplomacy: Bosnia received the new UK ambassador, Dawn McKen, as she presented her credentials and reaffirmed support for Bosnia’s sovereignty and Euro-Atlantic path.