EU criticizes US sanctions against the ICC and promises support for the continuation of the court’s work

The European Union criticized on Friday the sanctions announced by the United States against the International Criminal Court and pledged to support the Hague-based institution so that it can continue its work. The European Commission described the measures as “deeply regrettable” and announced that it was prepared to take all necessary measures to protect the functioning of the ICC.

The United States decided to impose sanctions for a period of 180 days, including a ban on financial transactions with the court, with the aim of limiting its resources and operational capacity. Washington maintains that the measures protect American sovereignty and U.S. citizens from what it considers a threat posed by the ICC.

The American decision comes after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused of alleged crimes committed in the Gaza Strip. The sanctions were announced on the same day that South African jurist Navi Pillay received the Nobel Peace Prize, including for her work at the ICC.

Several European countries, Canada, and Japan reaffirmed their support for the court. The Netherlands called for the preparation of the European blocking mechanism, which could protect European companies and banks from U.S. extraterritorial sanctions. The European Commission did not specify, however, whether it would activate this instrument.