EU Voices Strong Support for Special Tribunal on Russia’s Aggression
On Europe Day, top diplomats from the European Union and 35 delegations gathered in Lviv to express political backing for the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression committed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, The Gaze reports.
The statement, issued by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the conclusion of a high-level meeting of the Coalition of States working to create the Special Tribunal. The so-called “Lviv Declaration” was adopted as a joint commitment to international justice and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“We reaffirm the critical importance of the Special Tribunal in delivering justice and holding those most responsible for this gravest international crime accountable,” the ministers stated.
They welcomed the completion of technical work on legal instruments required to establish the tribunal under the auspices of the Council of Europe, including a draft statute and agreement between Ukraine and the Council. Once launched, the tribunal is expected to function fully in line with international law and human rights standards.
The signatories also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Council of Europe, the European Commission, and the European External Action Service in preparing the legal framework and securing administrative and financial support for the tribunal.
Foreign ministers emphasized that the creation of this tribunal is essential to upholding international legal order and deterring future acts of aggression.
“We call on other states and international organizations to join our efforts and actively support the tribunal’s work,” the declaration said.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking EU officials, including Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy and Rule of Law.
The next major step in the tribunal’s establishment will be taken during the Council of Europe’s Ministerial Committee meeting in Luxembourg on May 13–14.
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