Europe Broad support for Ukraine special tribunal
The establishment of the special tribunal for crimes against Ukraine is one step closer: 36 countries and the European Union signaled their intention to join the necessary agreement at a meeting of the Council of Europe in Moldova's capital Chisinau.
15.05.2026, 16:40
SDA
This declaration of intent is decisive for the actual establishment of the special court, announced the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset.
The planned international special tribunal on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is intended to prosecute high-ranking political and military representatives for the decision to go to war - the so-called crime of aggression.
This is intended to close a gap, as the International Criminal Court based in The Hague in the Netherlands has limited jurisdiction. It investigates possible war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Further steps necessary
The special tribunal is also to be based in The Hague. However, it will take some time before it is established. First of all, the budget must be determined and secured. According to the press release, Secretary-General Berset urged states to complete all necessary national procedures in order to join the special tribunal as soon as possible.
The supporting countries include Council of Europe members such as France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and Ukraine itself. Costa Rica and Australia have also announced their participation.
The Council of Europe is an organization based in Strasbourg and is independent of the EU. It is responsible for safeguarding human rights and the rule of law in its 46 member states.
Council of Europe positions itself on tougher asylum policy
At the meeting of the Committee of Ministers, the highest decision-making body of the Council of Europe, a political declaration on migration policy and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was also adopted unanimously. Several European states had previously complained that their migration policy was being restricted due to the Convention and the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, which monitors compliance with it.
The standards for interpreting the ECHR that have now been laid down, for example on the issue of return hubs outside the EU, are intended to facilitate deportations and expand the member states' scope for discretion. However, the declaration is not binding on the Court of Human Rights.
