Poland in the Council of Europe

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe emphasized that this historic signing reminds us that international law must apply to everyone — without exception and without double standards. "This is a tribunal that is to judge victims and aggressors, impunity and accountability, because without accountability there can be no lasting peace for Ukraine and all of Europe”.

"In his speech, President Zelensky stated that "every war criminal must know that justice will be served, and this applies to Russia as well. Politically, we have already made significant progress, and I am grateful to the Council of Europe and everyone who has shown leadership. Justice takes time, but today’s agreement and this tribunal provide us with a real chance to deliver justice for the crime of aggression. Other institutions do not have the tools to do this. And we must clearly show: aggression leads to punishment, and we must do this together."

The Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Ian Borg, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, stated: "Today's agreement is living proof that genuine international cooperation, based on legal clarity and political courage, can achieve what once seemed improbable. The swift, fundamental, and unwavering response of the Council of Europe has confirmed its enduring significance and moral authority in Europe and far beyond.

After signing the Agreement, member states of the Council of Europe, as well as non-member states of the Organization and the European Union, will consider joining the Expanded Partial Agreement (EPA) on the management of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. After expressing a desire to participate, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be able to resume its work on establishing the EPA.