On Thursday 6 February, the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties heard the Polish Minister of Justice, Adam Bodnar, present the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.
He spoke in particular about accountability for war crimes in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
The Polish minister reaffirmed the priority that must be given to documenting war crimes and, to this end, gathering the evidence needed to prosecute them.
He referred to Eurojust’s key role in this area, as the umbrella organisation for the creation of databases designed to store and analyse this information, thus facilitating future legal proceedings, within a dedicated centre.
Adam Bodnar reported on the 13th meeting of the Core Group on Monday 3 February (see EUROPE 13572/14), for the creation of an international tribunal specialising in war crimes committed in Ukraine, which should lead to a strengthening of international justice and support for victims.
The minister supported the practice of in-depth dialogue between Member States. He also returned to the issue of support for refugees who are victims of war crimes.
And with good reason: Poland, in the front line in welcoming Ukrainian refugees, will make this aid a priority of its Presidency.
In-depth discussions with EU justice ministers are planned to strengthen actions in favour of international justice and the rights of war victims. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)