The European Commission supported the EU’s participation in the creation of an International Commission to consider claims regarding the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine
The European Commission has approved an initiative for the European Union to become a founding member of the International Claims Commission, a body tasked with providing compensation to victims of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. This was reported on the official website of the European Commission.
To enter into force, the proposal must be approved by the EU Member States in the Council of the EU, as well as supported by the European Parliament. After that, the EU will become one of the founding members of the International Claims Commission.
The Commission will work under the auspices of the Council of Europe. Its powers will include examining, assessing and establishing claims for compensation for losses and damage caused by Russia to Ukraine and its citizens. It will also determine the amount of compensation in each individual case.
EU High Representative Kaia Kallas stressed that Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has been going on for five years, and the cost of Russian aggression is constantly growing.
“If you start a war, you pay the bills. Hundreds of billions will be needed to rebuild Ukrainian homes and infrastructure, as well as to defuse explosives scattered throughout the country. Every citizen of Ukraine can now apply for compensation for damage, loss or injury through the Claims Commission. And when the war is over, Russia will have to compensate for the damage it has caused,” she said.
EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection noted that the European Union will continue to support Ukraine and ensure justice for its citizens.
“The International Claims Commission will document the true cost of Russian aggression and ensure fair compensation,” — the EU Commissioner emphasized.
In December 2025, the European Union, together with 35 states, signed the Convention on the Establishment of a Claims Commission and committed to allocating up to 1 million euros to support its launch within the Council of Europe.
The Council of Europe has established a Commission for the Consideration of Claims for Compensation for Damage Caused by Russian Aggression.
In the European Union, temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine has been extended until March 4, 2027. Currently, more than 4.3 million Ukrainians enjoy this status.
