During the meeting, EU ministers discussed, among other things, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

The tribunal, which would operate under the Council of Europe, would investigate, among other things, who made the decision for the war of aggression, who led it, and who made decisions regarding attacks on Ukraine. As Minister Adam Bodnar acknowledged, the international community is getting closer to establishing this institution.

"What is the point of judging a commander who gave criminal orders in Bucha or Mariupol if those truly responsible for the decision to start the war, such as the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin or former defense minister Sergey Shoigu, are not held accountable," said Minister Bodnar.

The investigation of individual war crimes committed by Russia on Ukrainian territory remains under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Minister Adam Bodnar informed that since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Polish prosecutors have closely cooperated with the Ukrainian prosecutor's office, including Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, in investigating these crimes.

In addition to the issue of Russian crimes, Friday's meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council also addressed the problem of drug trafficking, the fight against racism and anti-Semitism in the EU, and organized crime.

The actions within the JHA aim to ensure security and justice across the European Union, allowing member states to cooperate more effectively and exchange information.

The next formal meeting of the European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council will take place in Brussels on December 12–13, 2024.