EU Condemns US Sanctions on ICC Judges

The European Union has condemned recent U.S. sanctions on four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges, viewing the action as an attack on judicial independence and a threat to global justice. The U.S. imposed these sanctions in response to ICC proceedings involving an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and investigations into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan. EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa, have reaffirmed strong support for the ICC, emphasizing its essential role in prosecuting serious crimes and defending victims' rights. Slovenia, whose national judge is among those sanctioned, has urged the EU to activate its blocking statute to prevent enforcement of U.S. sanctions within Europe. The sanctions freeze the judges' assets and restrict their financial activities, raising concerns over the erosion of international judicial norms. The EU's response underscores its intent to protect the ICC's independence amid growing geopolitical tensions.