Today, the Commission, represented by Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, signed the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine on behalf of the EU. The signature is a major milestone in Europe's collective efforts to ensure accountability and justice for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, ensuring that the victims of Russia's brutal war of aggression are properly compensated. The signature took place in the context of a Diplomatic Conference hosted by the Council of Europe and the Netherlands, and was attended by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
President von der Leyen said: "Today's agreement sends a crystal clear message: Russia's war of aggression will not go unanswered. This is a concrete instrument of justice to ensure the aggressor will be held accountable. Because accountability is not optional, it is inevitable. The victims of Russia's brutality have the right to compensation. And we will pursue this, in yet another example of Europe's steadfast support for Ukraine."
Operating within the Council of Europe's framework, the Claims Commission will be responsible for reviewing, assessing, and deciding on claims for the compensation of damage, loss or injury caused by Russia in Ukraine. It will also be responsible for determining the amount of compensation due in each case. The Claims Commission builds on the important work carried out by the Register of Damage established in May 2023 to record eligible claims. As a final step, the Commission is discussing with its international partners legal pathways to establish a compensation fund which would ensure that Russia directly compensates Ukraine for the damage caused.
The Claims Commission will strongly support the principles of justice, accountability, and victims' rights; and ensure that these are upheld in line with the international legal framework. Following the signing of the Convention, the EU and its Member States will proceed with ratification.
Background
