EU calls on the US to withdraw sanctions against the International Criminal Court

In the statement made on behalf of the EU by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, reiterated the determined support for the rule-based international order based on respect for international law and emphasized that the ICC is one of the basic elements of this order.

The statement pointed out that international criminal justice plays a critical role in ensuring that those who commit the most serious crimes that concern the international community are held accountable, and noted that the ICC does not target sovereign states.

In the statement, it was stated that in accordance with the principle of complementarity in its establishment, the Court only intervenes in cases where states are unwilling or unable to truly investigate or prosecute persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war and aggression crimes.

In the statement, it was emphasized that the USA has a deep-rooted history in ensuring justice and accountability, and it was stated that the complementarity provisions were designed to recognize the priority of competent national judicial systems and processes, such as the US legal system.

In the statement, it was emphasized that attacks or threats against the Court, its elected officials, staff, and civil society representatives and service providers who cooperate with the Court are unacceptable, and it was stated that they are deeply saddened by the USA's announcement that it will impose sanctions on the ICC as an institution.

In the statement, which called on the USA to withdraw the last measures, it was shared that Washington's readiness to discuss its concerns with the states party to the Rome Statute was welcomed, and its decision to postpone the entry into force of the sanctions was also noted.

The statement noted that these steps opened space for diplomacy in order to withdraw the sanctions in a short time and prevent additional measures that would undermine the independence and integrity of the Court.

In the statement, it was emphasized that the ICC should be able to work independently, free from pressure or external intervention, and it was stated that the EU will continue its full support to the Court and will contribute to the protection of its staff and those who cooperate with the Court.

In the statement, it was stated that the EU is ready to take all necessary measures to ensure that the Court continues its activities effectively and fulfills its indispensable duty.

US sanctions on the ICC

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that they decided to impose sanctions on the Court after South African lawyer Navi Pillay, a former judge of the ICC, won the "2026 Nobel Peace Prize".

Rubio stated that the USA will not allow Americans to be tried by the ICC and said, "Either the ICC will end its threats or we will abolish the ICC." shared his opinion.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, and the USA opposed the decision.

The Washington administration imposed sanctions on judges and prosecutors, including ICC President Tomoko Akane, in August.