Eurojust’s support to accountability efforts following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine 

CRIME: In February 2022, Russia commences its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Action: In March 2022, Eurojust supports the establishment of a JIT into alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine, providing legal, analytical and financial assistance. The Agency organises various coordination meetings between the JIT and other national authorities, allowing countries to exchange data on their respective domestic investigations, discuss strategies and coordinate investigative measures. In February 2024, the JIT agreement is extended until March 2026 and amended in September 2024 to include investigations into crimes of torture, ill-treatment and filtration.

Since March 2022, Eurojust provides operational support to the EU Freeze and Seize Task Force set up by the European Commission to ensure the implementation of EU sanctions against listed Russian and Belarusian oligarchs across the EU. In 2024, the Agency continues to cross-check the list of individuals and companies sanctioned by the EU against Eurojust’s data, while also supporting cases of violation of EU sanctions and participating in Operation Oscar.

In February 2023, Eurojust launches the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) to preserve, analyse and store evidence of core international crimes. In 2024, the CICED team responds to information requests from national authorities and proactively analyses evidence to assist in their investigations.

In March 2023, the Ukraine Accountability Dialogue Group is launched. Eurojust, together with the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, co-chairs the work stream dedicated to challenges in national investigations into CICs and human rights violations. During 2024, the work stream focuses on evidence-related challenges, including in the context of investigating crimes against or affecting children in Ukraine.

In July 2023, Eurojust establishes the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments. ICPA members coordinate their investigative and prosecutorial activities, relying on Eurojust’s legal, technical and logistical support. In December 2024, the Centre’s funding period is extended for a further six months.

In November 2024, the Genocide Network grants Ukraine observer status, allowing it full access to the network’s meetings and opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange and follow-up with its members.

Results so far: The national authorities participating in the JIT interview 4 000 witnesses, in addition to over 40 000 interviews conducted by the Ukrainian authorities on their own territory. As a result of the close cooperation between the JIT parties, the Lithuanian Prosecution Service issues notices of suspicion in absentia against six suspects. In addition, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine issues a notice of suspicion against another individual for war crimes against a civilian.

The ICPA makes substantial progress in compiling a solid case-building package, intended for transmission to the future office of the prosecutor of a possible special tribunal or other jurisdictions.

The number of evidence files submitted to CICED increases significantly.