An increasing number of investigations and prosecutions for core international crimes cases in the EU are based on universal jurisdiction. This factsheet explains what universal (or extraterritorial) jurisdiction is, and how it serves as a powerful tool of last resort in the fight against impunity for the gravest crimes.

The factsheet provides an overview of the current state of universal jurisdiction in the legislations of EU Member States, including the conditions under which universal jurisdiction can be applied (e.g. presence of the suspect on the territory of the Member State). Recent judgments from universal jurisdiction cases illustrate the practice of this legal principle.