The programme featured expert contributions from Aleksandra Mężykowska, member of Board of the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U), Peter Csonka, Head of Unit, Criminal Law from DG Justice and consumers of the European Commission. Further, Jörg Polakiewicz, Director of Legal Advice and Public International Law from the Council of Europe and Ambassador Tanja Gonggrijp, Vice-Chair of the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U). Their interventions informed a constructive discussion on the state of play regarding accountability for the crimes committed in Ukraine and joint efforts to uphold human rights and democratic values within the EU–Council of Europe framework.

During lunch, the Heads of Mission held an open exchange with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset. Discussions centred on deepening cooperation in critical areas such as democratic security and accountability. Ambassadors underlined how recent crises have strengthened EU-Council of Europe cooperation and reaffirmed the importance of enhancing synergies and political cooperation. The retreat provided a valuable forum to share perspectives and explore coordinated approaches to advancing democratic resilience and human rights across Europe and beyond.