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, labeling them a danger to global justice.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In remarks made on February 9, 2025, the EU leaders claimed that this action undermines international justice.
Von der Leyen expressed on social media that the ICC is vital for ensuring accountability for international crimes and delivering justice for victims.
"The ICC ensures accountability for international crimes and amplifies the voices of victims everywhere," she wrote.
"It must operate freely in its pursuit of the fight against global impunity.
Europe will consistently advocate for justice and uphold international law."
Trump’s executive order, issued on February 8, enforces asset freezes and travel restrictions on ICC personnel and their families if they engage in investigations involving U.S. citizens or their allies.
These sanctions follow the Court’s November 2024 decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump’s decision, asserting that it weakens the global criminal justice system.
His comments came shortly after he met with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, where they discussed how the European Union could strengthen its support for the Court amid increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a staunch ally of Trump, was the first world leader to meet the U.S. president following his inauguration, holding discussions with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has suggested that after the conflict concludes, Palestinians should be relocated from Gaza, proposing to transform the coastal area into what he termed the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements from the Commission and Council presidents aimed to reiterate European support for the ICC and the larger framework of international law.
The official also noted that while EU leaders are closely watching Trump’s statements, their response would concentrate on tangible actions, such as the executive order against the Court.
These recent developments exacerbate 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 remarks made on February 9, 2025, the EU leaders claimed that this action undermines international justice.
Von der Leyen expressed on social media that the ICC is vital for ensuring accountability for international crimes and delivering justice for victims.
"The ICC ensures accountability for international crimes and amplifies the voices of victims everywhere," she wrote.
"It must operate freely in its pursuit of the fight against global impunity.
Europe will consistently advocate for justice and uphold international law."
Trump’s executive order, issued on February 8, enforces asset freezes and travel restrictions on ICC personnel and their families if they engage in investigations involving U.S. citizens or their allies.
These sanctions follow the Court’s November 2024 decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump’s decision, asserting that it weakens the global criminal justice system.
His comments came shortly after he met with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, where they discussed how the European Union could strengthen its support for the Court amid increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a staunch ally of Trump, was the first world leader to meet the U.S. president following his inauguration, holding discussions with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has suggested that after the conflict concludes, Palestinians should be relocated from Gaza, proposing to transform the coastal area into what he termed the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements from the Commission and Council presidents aimed to reiterate European support for the ICC and the larger framework of international law.
The official also noted that while EU leaders are closely watching Trump’s statements, their response would concentrate on tangible actions, such as the executive order against the Court.
These recent developments exacerbate 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.
