Belgium is examining the possibility of sending legal experts to Ukraine to participate in the collection of evidence of alleged war crimes committed in the context of the Russian invasion, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo indicated on Tuesday on the sidelines of a meeting with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte. This is a “first step” for the “barbarians” to be prosecuted, he adds.
Earlier last week, EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders addressed EU member states, asking them to consider their ability to respond to a series of requests from Ukraine’s chief prosecutor.
The European Commission intends to provide maximum support to on-site investigations into possible war crimes. In this context, Member States can be useful by providing, for example, “investigators to document crimes, forensic experts, equipment to store evidence, secure means of communication or training”had illustrated a spokesperson.
What is happening in Ukraine “is comparable to the darkest pages of our history”, comments Alexander De Croo on Tuesday. The Prime Minister is in favor of an EU that takes the lead in the reconstruction of the country. A phase that can be used to help the country in its “aspirations occidentales”, he believes. Mark Rutte agrees: “reconstruction can be an opportunity to help in the fight once morest corruption, to have more freedom of the press, to strengthen the rule of law“, he indicates.
However, it is up to the European Commission to put concrete proposals on the table, say the two Prime Ministers. The Commission is currently examining the creation of a fund which would help to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine.
