The European Commission has initiated the procedure by which the European Union would become a founding member of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The next step is the approval of the initiative by the member states, after which the European executive will be able to officially notify the community block’s accession to this mechanism, IPN reports.

The special tribunal, established under the auspices of the Council of Europe, will have the mission to criminally prosecute high-ranking political and military leaders for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine. After the completion of the accession procedure, the EU will have a central role in the tribunal’s activity, including through participation in the management committee.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that justice for the victims of aggression represents the best path towards a lasting peace and a crucial deterrent for future acts of aggression.

The special tribunal was established by the agreement signed on June 25, 2025 by the Ukrainian leader, Volodimir Zelenski, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. The foundations of the court were laid earlier, with the support of an international coalition that also includes the Republic of Moldova.