EU Leaders Denounce Trump’s Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.
Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa condemn U.S. sanctions on the ICC, deeming them a danger to international justice.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to implement sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In statements made on February 9, 2025, the EU leaders claimed that this action undermines the integrity of international justice.
Von der Leyen expressed on social media that the ICC is vital for ensuring accountability for global crimes and delivering justice for victims.
"The ICC ensures accountability for international crimes and provides a voice for victims across the globe," she stated.
"It must have the freedom to combat global impunity.
Europe will always advocate for justice and respect for international law."
Trump's executive order, enacted on February 8, imposes asset freezes and travel restrictions on ICC personnel and their families if they engage in investigations involving U.S. citizens or allies.
These sanctions followed the Court's decision in November 2024 to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump's move, stating that it undermines the global criminal justice framework.
His comments followed a meeting with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, during which they discussed how the European Union could bolster its support for the Court amid increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a close Trump ally, was the first world leader to visit the U.S. president after his inauguration, interacting with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has proposed that Palestinians should be relocated from Gaza after the conflict concludes, with plans to transform the coastal region into what he refers to as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements from the Commission and Council presidents were meant to reinforce European backing for the ICC and the overall framework of international law.
The official also mentioned that while European leaders are keeping an eye on Trump's statements, their response will center on tangible actions, such as the executive order against the Court.
These recent developments heighten tensions between the EU and the U.S. regarding international legal institutions, prompting concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation in human rights and global justice.
In statements made on February 9, 2025, the EU leaders claimed that this action undermines the integrity of international justice.
Von der Leyen expressed on social media that the ICC is vital for ensuring accountability for global crimes and delivering justice for victims.
"The ICC ensures accountability for international crimes and provides a voice for victims across the globe," she stated.
"It must have the freedom to combat global impunity.
Europe will always advocate for justice and respect for international law."
Trump's executive order, enacted on February 8, imposes asset freezes and travel restrictions on ICC personnel and their families if they engage in investigations involving U.S. citizens or allies.
These sanctions followed the Court's decision in November 2024 to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump's move, stating that it undermines the global criminal justice framework.
His comments followed a meeting with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, during which they discussed how the European Union could bolster its support for the Court amid increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a close Trump ally, was the first world leader to visit the U.S. president after his inauguration, interacting with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has proposed that Palestinians should be relocated from Gaza after the conflict concludes, with plans to transform the coastal region into what he refers to as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements from the Commission and Council presidents were meant to reinforce European backing for the ICC and the overall framework of international law.
The official also mentioned that while European leaders are keeping an eye on Trump's statements, their response will center on tangible actions, such as the executive order against the Court.
These recent developments heighten tensions between the EU and the U.S. regarding international legal institutions, prompting concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation in human rights and global justice.
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