Malta, Council of Europe Establish Special Tribunal for Ukraine Aggression Crime

Malta, as the current president of the Council of Europe (COE), recently signed an agreement with Ukraine to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, aiming to hold those responsible accountable under international law. The EU's enlargement process for Ukraine and Moldova remains stalled, primarily due to Hungary's veto over Ukraine's candidacy amid concerns about minority rights, though the EU has ruled out formally decoupling the two countries' accession talks. Slovakia is navigating a delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and maintaining its energy security, as its reliance on Russian oil complicates its stance amid ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. Europe's 'Coalition of the Willing' summit, led by France's President Macron, sought to unify support for ending the war in Ukraine, proposing troop contributions contingent on a ceasefire; however, relations with the U.S. under President Trump are strained due to disagreements over energy purchases and sanctions, casting doubt on coordinated Western pressure against Russia. Despite these challenges, international efforts continue to address the war's consequences through legal, political, and security measures, reflecting complex and sometimes divergent interests among European and global actors.