Today, 16 December, 35 countries and the European Union signed in The Hague the convention establishing the international claims commission
for Ukraine under the framework of the Council of Europe. On behalf of Estonia, the convention was signed by Foreign Ministry Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov. Following the signing, the convention will be submitted to the Riigikogu for ratification.
The task of the new commission is to assess the damage caused by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and determine the corresponding compensation amounts. The establishment of the commission is an important step in ensuring Russia’s accountability, so that its violations of international law and the devastating harm inflicted on the Ukrainian state, its people and its environment are fairly compensated.
In his speech at the conference, Jonatan Vseviov urged states to ratify the convention swiftly, so that it can enter into force in good time and the commission can begin its work. The convention will enter into force once at least 25 signatories have ratified it and their contributions to the budget are sufficient to ensure the commission’s sustainable financing.
The claims commission is the second pillar of the comprehensive international compensation mechanism for Ukraine. The first pillar, the Register of Damage, also created under the Council of Europe framework, was established in May 2023. Its role is to collect and record claims and supporting evidence submitted by natural and legal persons as well as by the Ukrainian state. To date, more than 80,000 claims have been registered across 13 categories.
The claims commission will verify the legitimacy of registered claims and determine the amounts to be compensated. The final step of the compensation mechanism will be the creation of a compensation fund, which will pay out the claims approved by the commission. “We must find a real solution for financing the fund, so that those who have suffered as a result of Russia’s war of aggression receive fair compensation for their losses,” Vseviov said in his speech.
During the visit, Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov also met with Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The meeting focused on issues related to holding Russia accountable, including the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression and the use of Russia’s frozen assets.
Additional information
Communication Department
[email protected]
www.vm.ee | @MFAestonia