As emphasised during a panel discussion in Vienna, accountability for violations of international law involves both civil and criminal law. Such violations cannot go unpunished.
The panel, “From Fake Impunity to Full Accountability,” took place on November 7 at the Austrian Parliament. It was organised by the embassies of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania in cooperation with the liberal NEOS Lab think tank.
The goal of the discussion was to raise public awareness—among politicians, diplomats, and experts—about Russia’s violations of international law, both in Ukraine and from a broader historical perspective since the early 20th century. The event was part of a public diplomacy programme supporting Latvia’s campaign for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for the 2026–2027 term.
While significant challenges exist in upholding international criminal law, it is crucial not to abandon it, highlighted speakers. Instead, we should develop appropriate legal solutions to implement international law effectively. Alongside legal instruments, it is vital to engage the general public to ensure that violations of international law are neither tolerated nor accepted. This engagement can increase awareness of security risks in Europe and worldwide.
Launching a war of aggression is the most severe violation of international law. One of the primary objectives of international law is to prevent wars. Therefore, it is essential to prosecute Russia for both war crimes and initiating a war of aggression against Ukraine. Egils Levits, Special Representative of Latvia for International Law and State Responsibility, emphasised this perspective. He highlighted that the challenges encountered in this process only strengthen our confidence in the universal nature of the international rules-based order.
The panel discussion featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Helmut Brandstätter, President of NEOS Lab, Member of the European Parliament, and journalist; Prof. Irena Vaišvilaitė, a leading researcher at Vilnius University; Kerli Veski, Undersecretary for Legal and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia; and Velina Tchakarova, head of the FACE (For A Conscious Experience), think tank in Vienna and a researcher in geopolitics and international security.
The “Together for Peace and Resilience” campaign aims to ensure Latvia’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term during the 2025 elections. It is the first time Latvia is seeking an elected member’s seat. Membership in the UNSC will be a vital tool for advancing and protecting Latvia’s foreign policy interests. Additionally, it will allow Latvia to broaden its international cooperation, contributing to global peace and resilience.
