Netherlands urges EU to use blocking statute against U.S. sanctions

The Netherlands is calling on the European Commission to prepare the EU blocking statute as a potential defense against upcoming United States sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described the measure as a “last resort” to protect European companies and citizens from complying with extraterritorial U.S. laws.

In a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten defended the Hague-based court, urging nations to “hands off the court and all other institutions that protect the international legal order.” Jetten’s remarks follow criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has characterized the ICC as an “anti-American tribunal” and called for member states to withdraw from it.

The tension stems from U.S. opposition to ICC investigations, including those involving Israeli leadership and American military actions in Afghanistan. If the EU blocking statute is invoked, it would prohibit European entities from adhering to certain U.S. sanctions, aiming to protect the financial transactions and accounts of ICC judges.