EU Begins Process to Join Special Tribunal as a Founding Member
The European Commission has approved a proposal to initiate the European Union's accession as a founding member of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Russian Aggression against Ukraine. This tribunal is being established within the Council of Europe framework, with a mandate to prosecute the highest-level political and military leadership responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This step underscores the EU's commitment to a rules-based international order, even as that order faces significant challenges.
Establishment of the Special Tribunal
The Special Tribunal will be formally created following the signing of an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, which took place on June 25, 2025. The tribunal's foundational documents received political approval from an international coalition of states and organizations on May 9, 2025. To support this process, the European Commission has allocated 10 million euros to fund a preparatory group tasked with establishing the tribunal's operational structure.
Work on establishing the Special Tribunal is planned to commence in 2026, with Ukraine and its international partners leading the effort. As part of this broader push for accountability, Ukraine has also signed the Council of Europe Convention on a compensation mechanism and agreed to the creation of a compensation commission.
Justice for the victims of aggression is the surest path to lasting peace. The pursuit of justice also serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors. At a time when international law is under historic strain, the correct response is greater accountability, not less. Establishing a legal process—as we are now doing for Ukraine—requires time, effort, and the broadest possible international support, but it is worth it.
Kaja Kallas, European Commission Representative
Consequently, the European Commission's initiative to establish the Special Tribunal represents a crucial step toward ensuring justice and accountability for the aggression committed in Ukraine.
The creation of the Special Tribunal aims not only to hold those guilty of crimes against Ukraine accountable but also to strengthen the international legal order in the face of state aggression. This process sends a powerful signal to potential aggressors, demonstrating that the international community is prepared to act when international law is violated. The tribunal's establishment is expected to be a vital milestone in restoring justice for the conflict's victims and promoting regional stability.