The European Commission has initiated a call for European Union countries to join the process of establishing a special tribunal aimed at investigating the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The EU’s executive body announced this on March 25, emphasizing the importance of the union’s participation in this international initiative.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU’s Role in Establishing the Special Tribunal
If this proposal is approved by the member states, the European Commission will be able to officially announce the EU’s intention to join the tribunal as a founding member. The European Union is expected to play a key role in the tribunal’s operations, particularly as a participant in the Steering Committee, which will oversee the overall management of this judicial body.
“The EU will play a central role in the Tribunal’s activities, particularly as a member of the Steering Committee that will govern the Special Tribunal.”
The newly established tribunal is expected to be empowered to hold high-ranking political and military leaders accountable for committing the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The European Commission emphasizes that justice for the victims of this aggression is a crucial prerequisite for establishing lasting peace and a significant deterrent for potential aggressors.
Legal Steps and International Support
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, highlighted that creating such a legal mechanism will require significant effort, time, and broad international support; however, it is justified to achieve justice. He stressed that the EU is actively involved in developing the legal foundations for the special tribunal’s operations.
The European Commission also supports accountability for the crime of aggression through the International Center for Criminal Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine and has already allocated 10 million euros for the work of the expanded group of the special tribunal to prepare its structure.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed the European Commission’s proposal, noting its particular importance ahead of the anniversary of the mass killings of civilians in Bucha. He emphasized that the horrific crimes committed by Russia in Bucha, Mariupol, Izyum, and other cities remind us of the darkest pages of World War II and have deeply shaken the moral foundations of Europe. Sybiha expressed confidence that peace in Europe is only possible under conditions of justice for the victims of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The EU Council is expected to consider this initiative in the near future, and member states of the bloc will join in the establishment of the tribunal.
In January, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alena Berse, reported on an agreement reached between the Council of Europe and the European Union to form a special working group for the creation of a potential tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
On June 25, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, signed an agreement to establish the Special Tribunal. Subsequently, the head of state instructed representatives of the President’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a detailed action plan for launching the tribunal.
On July 1, 2025, President Zelensky signed the documents necessary for the ratification of this agreement, emphasizing that the signing and ratification are important steps towards the actual functioning of the special tribunal regarding Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine.