European Parliament urges protection of ICC from U.S. sanctions

Members of the European Parliament have called on the European Commission to consider activating a mechanism to protect European companies and banks from complying with United States sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). This request follows a meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs involving ICC representatives.

European People's Party MEP Dirk Gotink advocated for the activation of the European ‘blocking statute’. This legal mechanism is designed to protect EU entities and individuals from the extraterritorial application of third-country laws, potentially prohibiting compliance with certain foreign sanctions and allowing for compensation for damages incurred.

The Trump administration has already imposed sanctions on 13 ICC officials, including judges and prosecutors. Washington has criticized the ICC regarding its actions related to Israel, such as the arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, and previous investigations into U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan. Reports indicate the administration may expand these measures to include sanctions against the ICC as an institution.