The EU is joining the establishment of a commission to compensate Ukrainians for losses incurred due to the war.

The European Commission has prepared a draft recommendation for the Council of the European Union regarding participation in the establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This commission will be part of a mechanism to compensate Ukrainians for the losses inflicted by the unprovoked war waged by Russia against the Ukrainian people.

This was reported by “European Truth” referencing the text of the draft recommendation prepared by the European Commission for approval by the EU Council.

The commission requests the EU Council to mandate its participation in creating the claims commission to address claims registered in the Register of Damage from Russian Aggression.

“The commission urges the council to grant permission to initiate negotiations on an international document to establish an International Claims Commission for Ukraine… which will review, assess, and make decisions regarding admissible claims filed in the Register of Damage caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and will determine the amount of compensation owed.”

It is reported that the establishment of the commission will be a significant step towards providing compensation to the victims of Russia's war against Ukraine.

“The EU's participation in negotiations for the instrument to create the claims commission must be established by a decision of the EU Council, which authorizes the commencement of negotiations, appoints an EU negotiator, and provides him with directives,” the draft recommendation specifies.

The European Commission has announced that the first round of negotiations for the establishment of the claims commission will begin at the end of March 2025.

The Register of Damage caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (RD4U) was created under the auspices of the Council of Europe in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-11/5. It is the first step towards establishing a mechanism that will ensure compensation for those affected by the war.

Forty-three states and the European Union have joined the register.

In its initial months of operation, it accepted claims regarding damage or destruction of residential property, later adding the option to report the deaths of close relatives due to the actions of the Russian army.

As of today, the register has received approximately 13,000 claims in the category of “damage or destruction of residential real estate,” with a total claimed loss exceeding 800 million euros.

Earlier, ZMINA reported that the international Register of Damages would include 45 different categories, including non-property damages. Specifically, the register will account for moral harm from the death of a loved one, bodily injuries, torture, and sexualized violence. Claims regarding forced deportation and loss of property will also be accepted. Additionally, categories will include damage to historical and cultural heritage and the environment.

ZMINA also reported the emergence of an advisor with explanations on how to submit a claim to the international Register of Damages for victims of Russian aggression.

Recently, ZMINA reported that the international Register of Damages is strengthening cooperation with public organizations to provide more effective assistance to those affected by Russian aggression.