On 9th December in Brussels, the European Union (EU) Council of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers met to discuss progress on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, including the agreement on the tribunal’s governing committee. Justice Minister Inese Lībiņa-Egnere called on EU countries to strengthen cooperation to ensure accountability for crimes committed by Russia, highlighting the importance of reinforcing the independence and capacity of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ministers also discussed next steps, including states joining the cooperation agreement and practical issues for implementing the tribunal’s decisions.
In her speech, Minister Inese Lībiņa-Egnere emphasized that in just two months, it will be four years since Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine—a period marked by immense suffering for the Ukrainian people. Latvia expressed satisfaction that over the past two years, EU countries have actively worked toward an agreement on establishing the Special Tribunal to hold perpetrators accountable. On 25 June 2025, Ukraine and the Council of Europe formally signed this agreement.
“At the same time, it is crucial that Russia be held accountable for all crimes committed, not only the act of aggression itself. Latvia therefore calls on EU countries to adopt a unified strategic and diplomatic approach to strengthen the ICC’s capacity to investigate and prosecute war crimes. We must ensure that no country rejects the international legal system. Only together can we guarantee justice and prevent impunity,” the minister stressed.
Inese Lībiņa-Egnere highlighted that Latvia consistently supports the ICC’s independence and work. This includes sending national experts to assist the ICC Prosecutor’s Office in war crimes investigations and continually emphasizing in public communications the importance of the ICC’s autonomy and protection from external threats.
“This is a moment when EU collective efforts must be even stronger. Our responsibility is far from over. Much remains to be done to ensure a just peace and a secure future for Ukraine,” concluded the justice minister.