On 17 July 2026, the European Union marked the 12th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, honouring the 298 victims and expressing continued support for efforts to establish truth, justice and accountability. In a statement issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU, the bloc reiterated its call on the Russian Federation to accept responsibility for the tragedy and fully cooperate with efforts to serve justice.
the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) of 9 July 2025, which held the Russian Federation responsible for the downing and for the deaths of 298 people, and the decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of 12 May 2025, which concluded that Russia breached the prohibition on the use of weapons against civil aircraft. The ECtHR unanimously found that Russia violated the European Convention on Human Rights, and the court is now to determine the consequences and damages payable. The ICAO Council, in a decision rendered on 30 June 2025, ordered Australia and the Netherlands, as applicants, and Russia to enter into good faith negotiations on full reparations.
The EU noted that Australia and the Netherlands requested Russia in August 2025 to enter negotiations, but Russia never responded. Instead, on 18 September 2025, Russia filed proceedings against Australia and the Netherlands before the International Court of Justice, exercising its right of appeal against the ICAO Council decision. The EU described the ECtHR judgment and ICAO decision as important steps towards accountability for the victims and their families.