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EU expresses support for the court after the imposition of US sanctions against ICC judges

by AI | 06.Jun 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Union expressed support for the court after the introduction of American sanctions against four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including a judge from Slovenia.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA.

Brussels – The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council Antonio Costa expressed support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the U.S. imposed sanctions on four judges of the court, including Slovenian judge Beta Hohler. They also called for the protection of the court’s independence and integrity.

“The Commission fully supports the International Criminal Court and its officials. The ICC punishes perpetrators of the world’s most serious crimes and gives a voice to victims. It must operate freely, without pressure. We will always advocate for global justice and respect for international law,” von der Leyen wrote on platform X.

“The EU strongly supports the International Criminal Court, the foundation of international law. The ICC does not act against states, but against impunity. We must protect its independence and integrity. The rule of law must prevail over the rule of power,” Costa stated.

The U.S. imposed sanctions against the ICC judges on Thursday evening, which include freezing assets and banning business in the U.S. They justified these measures by citing the court’s actions against the U.S. and Israel.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced in response that Slovenia would propose the immediate activation of the European Union’s blocking statute due to Hohler’s inclusion, who is an EU citizen, on the U.S. sanctions list. This statute is intended to protect EU citizens from the effects of third-country measures.

The Commission emphasized that before adopting any potential protective measures, they would first closely monitor the consequences of the sanctions. (June 6)