EU Leaders Denounce Trump's Sanctions Targeting the International Criminal Court
Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa condemn U.S. sanctions on the ICC, deeming them a menace to global justice.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s choice to enact sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In statements made on February 9, 2025, the EU leaders asserted that this action undermines international justice.
Von der Leyen mentioned on social media that the ICC is vital in ensuring accountability for international crimes and delivering justice for victims.
"The ICC ensures accountability for international crimes and amplifies the voices of victims worldwide," she stated.
"It must be allowed to freely continue its efforts against global impunity. Europe will always uphold justice and adherence to international law."
Trump’s executive order, issued on February 8, enforces asset freezes and travel restrictions on ICC personnel and their family members if they are involved in probes concerning U.S. citizens or allies.
These sanctions followed the Court’s announcement in November 2024 of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump’s move, stating that it diminishes the global criminal justice system.
His comments were made shortly after a meeting with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, where they discussed ways the European Union could bolster its support for the Court in light of increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a close ally of Trump, was the first world leader to meet the newly inaugurated U.S. president, engaging with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has proposed that Palestinians should be removed from Gaza after the conflict concludes, with intentions to transform the area into what he referred to as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements made by the Commission and Council presidents were aimed at reaffirming European backing for the ICC and the broader framework of international law.
The official also noted that while European leaders are keeping an eye on Trump’s comments, their response will center on tangible actions like the executive order targeting the Court.
These recent developments escalate tensions between the EU and the U.S. regarding international legal institutions, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation on human rights and global justice.
In statements made on February 9, 2025, the EU leaders asserted that this action undermines international justice.
Von der Leyen mentioned on social media that the ICC is vital in ensuring accountability for international crimes and delivering justice for victims.
"The ICC ensures accountability for international crimes and amplifies the voices of victims worldwide," she stated.
"It must be allowed to freely continue its efforts against global impunity. Europe will always uphold justice and adherence to international law."
Trump’s executive order, issued on February 8, enforces asset freezes and travel restrictions on ICC personnel and their family members if they are involved in probes concerning U.S. citizens or allies.
These sanctions followed the Court’s announcement in November 2024 of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump’s move, stating that it diminishes the global criminal justice system.
His comments were made shortly after a meeting with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, where they discussed ways the European Union could bolster its support for the Court in light of increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a close ally of Trump, was the first world leader to meet the newly inaugurated U.S. president, engaging with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has proposed that Palestinians should be removed from Gaza after the conflict concludes, with intentions to transform the area into what he referred to as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements made by the Commission and Council presidents were aimed at reaffirming European backing for the ICC and the broader framework of international law.
The official also noted that while European leaders are keeping an eye on Trump’s comments, their response will center on tangible actions like the executive order targeting the Court.
These recent developments escalate tensions between the EU and the U.S. regarding international legal institutions, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation on human rights and global justice.
