Council conclusions on the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted by the Council of the European Union on 9 December 2022, addressing the impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Further information:

The Council calls on the Member States of the European Union (EU) to adopt measures seeking to fully implement the definition of core international crimes and modes of liability enshrined in the Rome Statute. It also asks EU countries to allow the exercise of universal jurisdiction or other forms of domestic jurisdiction over core international crimes, and to enable close judicial cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The conclusions urge Member States s to provide adequate support for the creation and functioning of specialised units dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of core international crimes at national level. Member states should also raise awareness among the Ukrainian refugee community of the possibility of giving testimony in Member States, and should strengthen the support and protection of victims of core international crimes in criminal proceedings. The Council also calls on Member States to support the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office and to consider participating in the rotation model coordinated by the ICC. It also asks them to strengthen cooperation with EU stakeholders to enhance successful investigation and prosecution.

The European Commission is asked to enhance financial, logistical, technical and substantive support to member states and to promote the exchange of best practices, knowledge and expertise. The Commission should also continue supportig national and international investigative and evidence-gathering mechanisms, specifically with respect to battlefield evidence. Finally the Council calls on Ukraine to accede to the Rome Statute.

This set of conclusions was adopted by the Council of the European Union at a meeting held on 9 December 2022. It was published in the Official Journal on 14 December 2022.

• Primary Source

Official

General Secretariat of the Council: Policies: EU solidarity with Ukraine https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-response-ukraine-invasion/eu-solidarity-ukraine/

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 09/12/2022: Council adopts conclusions on the fight against impunity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/09/council-adopts-conclusions-on-the-fight-against-impunity-in-russia-s-war-of-aggression-against-ukraine/

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