Just one day before the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EESC adopted a resolution calling for Ukraine's swift accession to the EU with due regard for enlargement principles. The EESC supported the establishment of a special international tribunal on crimes of aggression against Ukraine, and stressed that civil society must carry on supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.

The EESC adopted its third resolution on Ukraine, entitled Ukraine: One year after the Russian invasion – the European civil society perspective, at its February plenary session. The resolution was adopted during a debate with Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of Ukraine's Centre for Civic Liberties and winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, and Lora Pappa, president of the Greek NGO METAdrasi – Action for Migration Development, on the impact of the war on people in Ukraine and in the EU.

In its resolution, the EESC advocated for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. "We call for a swift accession process for Ukraine to the EU with due regard for enlargement principles. Ukrainian civil society and Ukrainian people remain the highest priority for the EESC," said EESC president Christa Schweng.

The resolution called for the establishment of a special international tribunal on crimes of aggression against Ukraine. In an emotional speech, Ms Matviichuk reported the unprecedented number of war crimes committed by Russian troops: "It is time to turn words into decisions and to empower legal procedures, because lasting peace is impossible without justice."

Seamus Boland, president of the Civil Society Organisations' Group, said that "We support the call to establish a special international tribunal on crimes of aggression against Ukraine".

One year into the invasion, civil society organisations have given their support to 8 million refugees and 6 million internally displaced people. However, "fatigue is starting to become apparent," lamented Ms Pappa.

Oliver Röpke, president of the Workers' Group, said that "Ukrainian civil society shouldn't be guests here, they should be at home," while Stefano Mallia, president of the Employers' Group, added that "Civil society is ready to do whatever it takes and for however long it takes to support Ukraine on the way to recovery". (mt)