EU maintains ICC support despite US sanctions
Brussels is examining protection against US measures, but has yet to decide on the legal countermeasure.
There is news on this story (Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:05): EU keeps legal shield against sanctions at arm’s length
The European Union continues to support the independence of the International Criminal Court while Washington increases pressure on the court. A European mechanism to protect companies against foreign sanctions is under consideration, but has not yet been activated.
The dispute centres on US sanctions against staff of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. According to news agency AP, thirteen staff members have now been affected, including nine judges. The US government accuses the court of targeting countries and individuals who, in Washington’s view, should not fall under its jurisdiction.
The US measures could affect bank accounts, insurance and digital services. Institutions that work with the court could therefore become reluctant to do so, even if European rules do not require them to. The court depends on international financial and digital infrastructure for much of its day-to-day work.
During a briefing on 29 September, the European Commission repeated that it supports the work of the court and its staff. During the briefing, the European Commission did not yet decide whether to apply the European blocking statute. In certain cases, that statute can prevent European companies from directly complying with foreign sanctions.
Members of the European Parliament from the Social Democrats want the European instrument to apply to the US sanctions against the court as well. The current arrangement does not automatically protect European parties against every US sanction. An extension should clarify the legal position of banks and other service providers.
For the Netherlands, the issue is particularly sensitive because the International Criminal Court is based in The Hague. AP reported that Dutch authorities are considering ways to keep the court operational, including support with staff, witness protection and assistance for the detention centre. The precise measures have not been made public.
European support therefore does not yet amount to a direct confrontation with Washington. Brussels is trying to combine political support, practical assistance and legal protection, while member states may disagree over how far they are willing to go in the conflict with the United States. It is clear, however, that the sanctions are already affecting individual staff members; whether the US government will formally target the court as a whole had not been confirmed during this round.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The United States has sanctioned staff members of the ICC.
- The EU says it supports the court and its independence.
- Brussels has not yet decided whether to apply the blocking statute.
Left
Arguments The EU must actively protect the International Criminal Court, because the prosecution of war crimes under international law must not depend on the political power of a single country.
Values The international rule of law, human rights, judicial independence and the fight against impunity.
Consequences Passivity could weaken the court financially and practically and encourage other states to put pressure on international institutions.
Centre
Arguments The EU must keep the court operational, but carefully assess legal countermeasures. Diplomatic support, financial continuity and the protection of European companies must be arranged together.
Values The rule of law, proportionality, European unity and administrative feasibility.
Consequences A step-by-step approach limits escalation, but could leave the court vulnerable in the meantime.
Right
Arguments European countries should be cautious about measures that put further pressure on relations with the United States. The ICC itself must convincingly demonstrate that it applies its powers strictly and independently of politics.
Values National sovereignty, democratic oversight, alliance stability and restraint by international institutions.
Consequences A confrontation with Washington could make security and economic cooperation more difficult, while too little counterweight could allow US pressure to continue having an effect.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article distinguishes between confirmed US sanctions, European support and possible future measures. Claims about possible sanctions against the court as a whole are explicitly presented as unconfirmed.
- confirmed According to AP, thirteen ICC staff members have been sanctioned by the United States, including nine judges. — This figure is mentioned in the AP report of 28 September 2026. source
- confirmed The European Commission confirmed its support for the ICC, but had not activated the blocking statute. — The Commission briefing on 29 September mentions support and says that no decision had yet been taken on additional legal protection. source
- confirmed Members of the European Parliament from S&D called for an extension of the European blocking statute. — This is stated in the S&D group’s report. source
- confirmed Dutch authorities are examining practical support for the court. — AP described this on the basis of diplomatic and government sources. source
Editor's note
The US sanctions and European support have been confirmed. An extension of the European blocking statute and possible sanctions against the court as a whole were still proposals or warnings, not decisions that had been taken.Sources
- Germany’s foreign minister visits the ICC, pledging full support despite Trump's sanctions — AP News
- EC Midday press briefing of 29/09/2026 — Europese Commissie
- S&D calls for US sanctions against International Criminal Court to be added to EU Blocking Statute — S&D in the European Parliament
The story so far
- Thursday, 1 October 2026, 06:22 EU maintains ICC support despite US sanctions (this article)
- Friday, 2 October 2026, 12:05 EU keeps legal shield against sanctions at arm’s length
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „internationaal strafhof”
- NOS — „internationaal strafhof”
- Het Parool — „internationaal strafhof”