The Hague, 3 July 2023 (TDI): The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA) began operations at Eurojust, marking a historic moment for justice.
The ICPA’s main goal is to prepare cases related to aggression crimes, gather crucial evidence, and facilitate early-stage case building.
📢A HISTORIC MOMENT:
➡️Just 4 months after @vonderleyen‘s announcement,
🆕The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against #Ukraine (#ICPA) is launched!
➡️Operations now active at #Eurojust!
PRESS RELEASE 👉 https://t.co/3wPJcGn4uA pic.twitter.com/lt0gWDXQ6q
— Eurojust (@Eurojust) July 3, 2023
At a launch event in The Hague, the ICPA was inaugurated by Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice, Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Karim A.A. Khan, ICC Prosecutor, Kenneth A. Polite, Assistant Attorney General, and Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, Justice Minister of the Netherlands.
The event included signing a contribution agreement with the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments and the Centre’s first operational meeting.
European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, highlighted the EU’s commitment to ensuring accountability for international crimes during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Eurojust President, Ladislav Hamran, emphasized the ICPA’s role in ending impunity at all levels.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, viewed the launch of ICPA as a symbol of unity in holding the Russian regime accountable.
ICC Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan, expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation with Eurojust and national authorities.
Assistant Attorney General, Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. announced Jessica Kim as the U.S. Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression, who will have access to the Department’s resources in response to Russia’s aggression.
Justice Minister of the Netherlands, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, stressed the importance of the ICPA in prosecuting international crimes resulting from Russian aggression.
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The ICPA within Eurojust serves as a hub for independent prosecutors to collaborate, exchange evidence, and establish a common strategy.
The Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) managed by Eurojust, supports the ICPA’s work.
The ICPA’s establishment is urgent and unique, bridging the gap between aspirations and reality. It sends a strong message that those responsible for aggression against Ukraine will be held accountable.
Ukraine and five JIT members currently participate in the ICPA, with contributions from the ICC and the United States. Other countries and organizations will join in the future.
The ICPA is fully funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments. Eurojust’s experience makes it well-suited to host the ICPA and support accountability efforts.
The ICPA represents a crucial step towards justice for crimes committed in the Russian war against Ukraine, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
A diligent individual with a Bachelor's in International Relations and currently pursuing a Master's in Political Science at the University of Cologne, Germany. With a strong academic background and a passion for understanding global politics, I aim to make a meaningful impact in the field of international affairs.
