● Council of the EU 10/10/2026 11:52 | Statements and remarks | International Criminal Court: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU following the announcement of US sanctions

 

Press material Saturday, 10 October 2026

● Council of the EU   10/10/2026 11:52 | St ments and remarks | Press material Saturday, 10 October 2026     ● Council of the EU   10/10/2026 11:52 | Statements and remarks | International Criminal Court: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU following the announcement of US sanctions   The EU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order, of which the ICC is a fundamental part, based on respect for international law. International criminal justice plays a crucial role in holding to account those who violate international law by committing the most serious crimes of international concern. The ICC does not target sovereign states. Under its foundational principle of complementarity, the ICC only acts if a state is unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The US has a proud history and tradition of pursuing justice and accountability. The complementarity provisions of the ICC are designed to cater for and recognise the primacy of competent national judicial systems and processes such as the US legal system. Attacks or threats against the Court, elected officials, personnel and those cooperating with the Court, including civil society representatives and service providers, are not acceptable. This is why the EU deeply regrets the announcement by the United States to impose sanctions against the Court as an institution. While we urge the US also to reverse these latest measures, we welcome its readiness to discuss its concerns with the State Parties to the Rome Statute and take note of the US decision to delay the entry into force of its latest measures. This creates space for diplomacy, with a view to securing their prompt reversal and preventing any further measures that seek to undermine the independence and integrity of the ICC. The ICC must be able to operate independently, free from pressure or external interference. The EU will continue to provide its full support and contribute to ensure the protection of the Court, its staff and those cooperating with it. The EU stands ready to take all the necessary measures to ensure that the Court continues to operate effectively and fulfills its indispensable mandate International Criminal Court: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU following the announcement of US sanctions ate   The EU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order, of which the ICC is a fundamental part, based on respect for international law. International criminal justice plays a crucial role in holding to account those who violate international law by committing the most serious crimes of international concern. The ICC does not target sovereign states. Under its foundational principle of complementarity, the ICC only acts if a state is unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The US has a proud history and tradition of pursuing justice and accountability. The complementarity provisions of the ICC are designed to cater for and recognise the primacy of competent national judicial systems and processes such as the US legal system. Attacks or threats against the Court, elected officials, personnel and those cooperating with the Court, including civil society representatives and service providers, are not acceptable. This is why the EU deeply regrets the announcement by the United States to impose sanctions against the Court as an institution. While we urge the US also to reverse these latest measures, we welcome its readiness to discuss its concerns with the State Parties to the Rome Statute and take note of the US decision to delay the entry into force of its latest measures. This creates space for diplomacy, with a view to securing their prompt reversal and preventing any further measures that seek to undermine the independence and integrity of the ICC. The ICC must be able to operate independently, free from pressure or external interference. The EU will continue to provide its full support and contribute to ensure the protection of the Court, its staff and those cooperating with it. The EU stands ready to take all the necessary measures to ensure that the Court continues to operate effectively and fulfills its indispensable mandate