EU to Join Ukraine Damage Claims Group

The European Commission is asking EU member governments to formally approve joining a new international body called the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This commission would review and decide on compensation claims for damage caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022.

Background

In November 2022, the UN General Assembly declared that Russia must pay for the harm it has caused in Ukraine. As a first step, countries set up a damage register in May 2023 to record claims from individuals, businesses, and the Ukrainian government. The EU joined this register from the start. The Claims Commission is the second step — it will actually review those claims and decide how much compensation is owed.

The convention creating this commission was signed in The Hague on December 16, 2025, by 34 countries and the EU (with one more signing later, bringing the total to 36 signatories).

How it works

The commission will operate within the Council of Europe framework and will have three main bodies: an Assembly of all members, a governing Council of 9–15 rotating members, and expert Panels that review individual claims. Russia is expected to ultimately pay all the costs. Until it does, member countries pay annual fees.

What the EU will pay

The EU has already pledged up to €1 million to help set up the commission's advance team. Once fully running (expected in 2028), the EU's annual contribution will start at €1 million and rise to €3 million per year during peak years, totaling around €18 million over the expected 10-year lifespan of the commission (2028–2034 budget period).

Why this matters

By formally joining, the EU becomes one of the commission's members, with a seat in its governing council. The commission also takes over the existing damage register and all its data. Russia can join later only if it officially admits responsibility, agrees to pay compensation, and agrees to reimburse all member countries for their costs.