The European Union has expressed its unwavering support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on four ICC judges. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU “deeply regrets” the US sanctions, emphasizing that the ICC must be free to act without pressure.
“The ICC holds perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes to account & gives victims a voice,” von der Leyen said, highlighting the court’s crucial role in upholding international justice. “It must be free to act without pressure.” This stance underscores the EU’s commitment to protecting the independence and integrity of the ICC.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk also condemned the US sanctions, describing them as “deeply corrosive of good governance and the due administration of justice.” Turk called for the sanctions to be withdrawn, stressing that attacks on judges for performing their judicial functions undermine respect for the rule of law and equal protection under the law.
The US sanctions were announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who accused the judges of taking “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the US and its allies. The sanctioned judges include Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin, and Beti Hohler of Slovenia. These sanctions could significantly impact the ICC’s functioning, as they may limit the judges’ ability to access financial resources and travel.
The EU’s reaction highlights the growing rift between the US and international institutions over issues of accountability and justice. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, emphasized that the ICC is “a cornerstone of international justice” and its independence and integrity must be protected.
In response to the sanctions, Slovenia has proposed activating the EU’s blocking statute, which would prevent European companies from complying with US sanctions deemed unlawful by Brussels. This move could potentially shield the ICC and European firms from US reprisals, reinforcing the EU’s role in upholding multilateral institutions and international legal norms.