European Union Reaffirms Support for International Criminal Court Amid US Sanctions

Brussels, October 23 (KUNA) -- The European Union today reaffirmed its strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), its judges, and their work, in light of the sanctions announced by the United States against the court. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated in a post on the X platform following her meeting with ICC President Tomoko Akane in The Hague that EU member states are committed to protecting the court and the international rule-based order grounded in respect for international law. Kallas explained that she conveyed the EU’s strong support for the court, its judges, and their work during the meeting, noting that the European Council expressed deep regret over the U.S. announcement of sanctions against the ICC and called for their reversal. She added that the EU would use the next six months to engage in dialogue aimed at reaching a resolution and exploring additional ways to assist the court in continuing its work. Kallas emphasized the need to enable the court to continue pursuing justice independently, free from pressure or intimidation, pointing out that the Sakharov Prize awarded by the European Parliament to the ICC recognizes its vital role in amplifying the voices of victims of the most serious crimes. The United States announced this month the imposition of sanctions on the ICC, a move aimed at curbing its ability to carry out its mandate, following the issuance by its judges of an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges related to war crimes in the Gaza Strip. (End) A.R.N. / R.J.