EU launches process for becoming founder member of special tribunal on Russian aggression

The European Commission has adopted a proposal initiating the process for the European Union to join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine as a founding member.

Source: an announcement by the European Commission, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Once the member states approve the proposal, the European Commission will be able to notify the Tribunal of the EU's intention to join as a founding member. Thereafter the EU will play a central role in the Tribunal's work, including as a member of the Management Committee that will govern the Special Tribunal.

The Special Tribunal will have a mandate to prosecute senior political and military leaders for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. It is being established within the framework of the Council of Europe, following the signing on 25 June 2025 of an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: "Justice for the victims of aggression is the best route to lasting peace. The pursuit of justice is equally a deterrent for would-be aggressors. At a time when international law is under historical pressure, the right response is more accountability, not less. Setting up the legal process – as we are now doing for Ukraine – takes time, effort and the widest possible international support, but it is worth it."

More details: The EU has played a leading role in drafting the founding legal texts of the Special Tribunal, which were politically endorsed by an international coalition of states and international organisations on 9 May 2025.

The Commission also supports accountability for the crime of aggression through the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and a contribution of €10 million to the Special Tribunal Advance Team to prepare its operational structure.

Background: During a visit to Kyiv in February, Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, said the start of the Special Tribunal's work depends on the "will of states".

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