On May 16 and 17, 2023, the Fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe took place in Reykjavík, capital of Iceland. Its central focus was support to Ukraine. The Summit confirmed the establishment of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Czech Republic has become its founding members and was significantly involved in negotiations of the Register.
12 Facts about Register of Damage created by Council of Europe
- According to a press release from the Council of Europe, Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has been established.
- The announcement came during the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland on May 17, 2023.
- The Register will be based in The Hague, and there will be a satellite office in Ukraine.
- According to its statute, the Register will have an initial lifespan of three years. Whether to extend this Register further will be based on a review at the end of three years. It will serve as a record of evidence and claims information on damage, loss or injury caused by Russian during its war with Ukraine. It paves the way towards a future international comprehensive compensation mechanism for the victims of the Russian aggression.
- 44 countries and the European Union have joined or indicated their intention to join the Register Of Damage Ukraine – Russia set up by the participants to the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe held in Reykjavik on 16-17 May 2023. (*)
- “Support and solidarity with Ukraine is one of the main priorities of the Icelandic Presidency and we have worked hard to ensure that the outcome of the Reykjavik Summit addresses the need for comprehensive accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” said Katrín Jakobsdóttir. Prime Minister of Iceland (as mentioned in the Press Release).
- She emphasised that “the Council of Europe can and should play an important role in ensuring accountability. The Register of Damais an important step towards accountability for crimes committed in Russia’s brutal war and a strong message of support to Ukraine.”
- The European Union, represented by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has provided a substantial contribution towards the startup costs.
- “The Register shall receive and process information on claims of damage and evidence; categorise, classify and organise such claims, assess and determine the eligibility of claims for inclusion in the Register and record the eligible claims for the purposes of their future examination and adjudication. The Register Of Damage Ukraine – Russia shall not have any adjudication functions with respect to such claims, including determination of responsibility and allocation of any payments or compensation”, mentions the Resolution on the Enlarged Partial Agreement.
- Denys Shmyhal, representing Ukraine, said that “Ukraine welcomes the establishment of the Register of Damage. We are grateful to the Council of Europe and all the participating states for such a high level of support. We invite other states, from all corners of the world, to join the Register of Damage as a sign of support for the important issue of Russia’s accountability for its war against Ukraine.” (as mentioned in the Press Release).
- “The Register is an important milestone on the road to justice and reparations for Ukraine and the Ukrainians who have suffered so much from this war. The hard work begins now – we need to ensure that the Register becomes operational soon, so that victims of Russian aggression could submit their claims,” said Denys Shmyhal.
- “We also emphasise that the establishment of the Register is only the first step towards the establishment of a comprehensive compensation mechanism that will ensure that Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine in accordance with international law, including by means of its internationally located assets. We look forward to working with our partners on this important issue,” Denys Shmyhal said.