# Netherlands-US diplomatic dispute over ICC jurisdiction

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-us-diplomatic-dispute-over-icc-jurisdiction
> Updated: 2026-09-24T19:00:55.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Tensions have escalated between the Netherlands and the United States regarding the jurisdiction and protection of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, urged nations to ‘hands off’ the court, arguing that the international legal order is under pressure.

This diplomatic friction follows U.S. actions since early 2025, which include sanctions, financial penalties, and visa restrictions against ICC officials, such as Prosecutor Karim Khan, in response to investigations related to Gaza. The United States maintains that the ICC is a ‘politicized’ institution and does not recognize its jurisdiction over American citizens.

In response to these developments, the Netherlands is calling on the European Commission to prepare the EU blocking statute. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described this measure as a ‘last resort’ to protect European companies and citizens from the extraterritorial application of U.S. laws. If invoked, the statute would prohibit European entities from complying with certain U.S. sanctions intended to target the ICC.

U.S. Ambassador to The Hague Joe Popolo responded to the Dutch Prime Minister’s remarks by stating the U.S. would keep its hands off the ICC as long as the court keeps its hands off the United States.

## Claims

- Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called for nations to stop interfering with the International Criminal Court (ICC). (corroborated by 7 sources)
- US Ambassador to The Hague Joe Popolo responded that the ICC should keep its hands off the United States. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The US does not recognize the ICC and seeks to prevent Americans from being prosecuted by the court. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Jetten stated that international law either works for everyone or for no one. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The US administration has imposed sanctions on ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, deputy prosecutors, and judges. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Dutch Prime Minister urged the European Union to prepare countermeasures against US sanctions targeting the ICC. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Rob Jetten urges protection for ICC amid US sanctions dispute

Dutch PM Rob Jetten urged protection for the ICC at the UN, while US Ambassador Joe Popolo responded that the US will stay out of ICC affairs only if the court stays out of US business.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-pm-and-eu-president-defend-icc-at-un-general-assembly

### 2026-09-24: Netherlands urges EU to use blocking statute against U.S. sanctions

The Netherlands is urging the EU to prepare its blocking statute to protect the International Criminal Court from potential U.S. sanctions and defend the international legal order.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-urges-eu-to-use-blocking-statute-against-us-sanctions

---
Cite as: Netherlands-US diplomatic dispute over ICC jurisdiction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-us-diplomatic-dispute-over-icc-jurisdiction