EU calls U.S. sanctions on ICC “deeply regrettable,” vows to take necessary measures to keep court operating effectively
The European Union called the Trump administration’s decision to sanction the International Criminal Court “deeply regrettable” on Friday and pledged to work closely with the tribunal to protect its independence and ensure it can continue operating effectively. The European Commission said the bloc was prepared to take “any necessary measures” to safeguard the ICC’s investigations and prosecutions as well as the interests of European companies affected by the U.S. restrictions.
The Commission said it would coordinate with all 125 states that are parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, to protect the court’s independence and “vital mission.”
Brussels also pointed to the six-month delay before the U.S. sanctions become applicable, saying the period could leave “room for dialogue” with Washington before the measures take full effect.
The EU has long been one of the ICC’s strongest institutional supporters, while the United States is not a member of the court. The latest dispute follows years of U.S. opposition to ICC jurisdiction over American nationals and intensified after the court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
