The EU has initiated the process of becoming a founding member of the Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression
The European Commission has approved a proposal to initiate the process of the European Union becoming a founding member of the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
This was reported by the European Commission.
Once the initiative is approved by EU member states, the European Commission will be able to officially declare the EU’s intention to join the tribunal as a founding member. In this capacity, the EU will play a key role in its work, including serving on the Steering Committee, which will oversee the Special Tribunal.
The tribunal is expected to have the authority to prosecute senior political and military leaders for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Its establishment is taking place within the framework of the Council of Europe following the signing on June 25, 2025, of a relevant agreement between Ukraine and the organization.
The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the aggression accountable.
“Justice for the victims of aggression is the best 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 pressure, the right 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,” she stated.
The European Union has already played a leading role in drafting the foundational legal documents for the Special Tribunal. These documents were politically endorsed by an international coalition of states and organizations on May 9, 2025.
In addition, the European Commission supports mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable for the crime of aggression through the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The EU has also allocated 10 million euros for the work of a preparatory group tasked with establishing the operational structure of the future tribunal.
Earlier, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated the need to accelerate the process of establishing a special tribunal regarding Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called on the international community to urgently establish a special tribunal to hold the direct organizers and instigators of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine accountable.
