Russia must face full accountability, says EU Justice Commissioner
European Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath reaffirmed the European Union's position that Russia must be held fully accountable for the crimes committed in Ukraine.
The bloc is actively pursuing founding membership in two key mechanisms: the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the International Commission for Compensation Claims of Ukraine.
"Today I stressed the importance of establishing the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine as soon as possible. The European Commission is preparing a proposal for the signing of the agreement concerning the Special Tribunal, with the aim of becoming one of its founding members. I encouraged member states to follow suit," the Commissioner stated after the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. "We have already pledged ten million euros to support the tribunal's establishment."
McGrath, who serves as the Commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law, and consumer protection, added that "justice for Ukraine also means reparations for the damages caused by Russia."
"I emphasized the importance of the rapid establishment of the International Commission for Compensation Claims of Ukraine. The Commission has already presented a proposal regarding the signing of the convention for the Commission’s establishment, which the Council will approve soon," he said.
"Next week, on December 16, I will attend a diplomatic conference for the signing of this convention. I encourage all member states to join us in this step," McGrath urged.
When asked by journalists about the initiatives' chances of success, especially amid discussions about potential pardons for Ukraine War crimes in negotiations with Russia, the Commissioner was firm: "The EU's position continues to be that there must be full accountability for Russian crimes in Ukraine."
"It is vital that there is justice for Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people, and that those who are victims of the crime of aggression committed by Russia receive justice. That is why we will proceed with our international partners to officially establish the Special Tribunal as soon as possible. Furthermore, we will have the Compensation Claims Commission for Ukraine," he affirmed, highlighting that next week's convention signing, making the EU a founding member, "will be a very significant turning point."
The Justice Commissioner also explained that the European Commission's proposal for funding Ukraine’s needs from frozen Russian assets includes using those assets for paying compensation to Ukrainians who have suffered due to Russian aggression.
"It is more important than ever to stand by the victims in Ukraine—those who have been bereaved, the women who have been raped, the families whose children have been kidnapped and taken to Russia," Michael McGrath concluded. "We cannot just wipe the slate clean; there must be justice, there must be accountability. We will do our part to create the necessary architecture, through the Special Tribunal, the Compensation Commission, and the proposals made."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
