EU Backs International Court After US Imposes Sanctions

The European Union has expressed its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the US imposed sanctions on four ICC judges. The EU's president, Antonio Costa, stated that the ICC is a "cornerstone of international justice" and emphasized the need to protect its independence and integrity. The ICC has condemned the US sanctions as a "clear attempt to undermine" its independence.

The European Union (EU) has expressed its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the United States' decision to impose sanctions on four ICC judges. The EU's president, Antonio Costa, emphasized the ICC's role as a "cornerstone of international justice" and underscored the importance of protecting its independence and integrity [1].

The US sanctions, announced on Thursday, target ICC judges Reine Alapini-Gansou from Benin, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza from Peru, Beti Hohler from Slovenia, and Solomy Balungi Bossa from Uganda. These judges have been involved in investigations into alleged war crimes by Israel and the US in Afghanistan [2].

The US sanctions are part of a broader effort to challenge the ICC's jurisdiction over non-signatory states like the US and Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the ICC's actions are "illegitimate and baseless" and infringe upon the sovereignty and national security of the US and its allies [1].

In response to the sanctions, the ICC has condemned the US actions as a "clear attempt to undermine" its independence. The court emphasized that targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict and only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity [3].

The EU's support for the ICC comes amidst growing concerns over the tribunal's independence and the potential impact of US sanctions on international justice. The EU has not yet indicated whether it will use its blocking statute to protect European businesses and individuals from the US sanctions [2].

References:
[1] https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkf2l00y7xg
[2] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/05/us-sanctions-international-judges-israel-afghanistan-probes-00390891
[3] https://www.jns.org/us-sanctions-four-international-criminal-court-judges/