The Council of Europe is compiling a damage register for war damage in Ukraine. In total, 40 of the 46 countries of the Council of Europe have committed to join or will join in the future. Turkey, Hungary, Azerbaijan and Serbia are not participating for the time being.
The EU, Canada, Japan and the US are ready, the Council of Europe announced in Reykjavik on Wednesday. The damage register is intended to record the destruction in Ukraine attacked by Russia, so that Russia can be held accountable.
The register is seen as the first step towards possible compensation payments to Ukraine. The idea stems from, among other things, a United Nations resolution and is now being implemented under the umbrella of the Council of Europe. It is not yet clear how exactly this will be implemented.
“Historic Decision”
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić described the decision to register as “historic”. It is one of the first legally binding instruments to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called the introduction of the register an “important step”. “Nor should we stand by and watch as children from Ukraine are illegally abducted, deported and forcibly adopted to Russia. The law must overcome lawlessness,” emphasized Van der Bellen.
Germany wants to contribute more
Meanwhile, Germany wants to give more financial support to the Council of Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced in Reykjavik on Wednesday that ten million euros will be added to the mandatory German contribution to the organization. “We will strengthen the Council of Europe as the guardian of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe, so that it can effectively meet current and future challenges,” said the SPD politician at the Council of Europe summit in Iceland. capital. The Council of Europe also needs support when it comes to artificial intelligence or environmental protection.
The Council of Europe was established in 1949 to protect democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe. It is independent from the European Union. It also includes significantly more countries than the EU – almost all European countries. Ukraine has been a member since 1995. Russia was excluded after the invasion of Ukraine, Belarus is suspended and only attends the summit as an observer.
Source: Krone
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