The European Union has taken a significant step towards establishing a special tribunal to address Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. On May 5, the EU Council approved a decision for the bloc to sign an extended partial agreement related to the tribunal, which aims to hold high-ranking Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, accountable for their actions.
This decision paves the way for the EU to formalize its role in the tribunal once it receives approval from the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. An EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that once a sufficient number of Council of Europe member states express their intent to join the extended agreement, the European Commission will propose a decision to the EU Council for formal endorsement.
Following a successful vote in the European Parliament and subsequent ratification by the EU Council, the EU will officially sign the extended agreement, becoming a co-founder of the tribunal. The EU is expected to play a leading role in the tribunal’s operations and will be included in its governing committee.
The special tribunal is designed to prosecute senior political and military leaders for acts of aggression against Ukraine. It is being established under the auspices of the Council of Europe following an agreement between Ukraine and the Council to create the tribunal, which is set to be signed on June 25, 2025.
Previously, 24 countries, including Belgium, expressed their intention to join the extended agreement for the tribunal. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that the agreement will be put to a vote during the Committee of Ministers meeting of the Council of Europe scheduled for May 14-15 in Chișinău.
The EU has approved a decision to establish a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting Russian leaders for aggression against Ukraine. This move reflects a broader international effort to hold accountable those responsible for the ongoing conflict.