On Thursday 30 April, MEPs approved the EU’s accession to the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine (465 votes in favour, 57 against and 47 abstentions) (see EUROPE 13858/7). If the EU Council concludes the procedure before 14 May, the date of the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Chișinău, the EU will be able to hand over the instrument of conclusion of the Convention at a meeting devoted to this Convention in the sidelines of the Ministerial Council (see EUROPE 13774/28).
In another resolution, adopted by 446 votes in favour, 63 against and 56 abstentions, the European Parliament expresses its support for the EU’s accession as a full member of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine and calls on the Member States to complete all accession formalities swiftly so that the International Claims Commission can begin its work without delay.
In their resolution on ‘ensuring accountability and justice in response to Russia’s continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine’, MEPs say that the leaders of Russia and its allies must be held to account for their role in the crime of aggression against Ukraine, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other international crimes. They add that responsibility must extend to all those in a position to direct or facilitate the crime of aggression, including senior political, military and judicial officials.
The European Parliament supports the creation and rapid entry into operation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and encourages all EU Member States to join it. It calls on the Commission to ensure sustainable funding for the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine beyond December 2026, ensuring that all evidence collected remains fully transferable to the future Special Tribunal.
MEPs also stress the need for effective coordination of all accountability mechanisms to avoid duplication and ensure efficiency. The High Representative is invited to set up an EU delegation to the international organisations based in The Hague in order to ensure the EU’s effective participation in new and established international bodies.
To see the resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/lsj (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)