EU backs ICC after new US sanctions
Brussels and The Hague say they will continue to support the court, while the precise effects of the US measures remain unclear.
There is news on this story (Friday, 9 October 2026, 18:46): Eight countries voice support for International Criminal Court
Follow-up to: US imposes new sanctions on ICC Friday, 9 October 2026, 16:45
The United States announced new sanctions against the International Criminal Court on Friday. The measures appear to affect not only individual judges and prosecutors, but also the court’s operations and potential service providers.
The US government announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday. According to reports by AP and Reuters, transactions with the court could be restricted, while companies providing services to the court also risk US sanctions.
Washington says the ICC is unlawfully targeting Americans and Israelis. The Trump administration disputes the court’s jurisdiction over US citizens and accuses the institution of politicisation. That view contrasts with those of the states that established the court through the Rome Statute.
The ICC says the new measures will not alter its independence. President Tomoko Akane called on member states to continue supporting the court. According to Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan, work on investigations and trials will continue.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described the sanctions as a regrettable step, according to AP. He said the measures would take effect only after a transition period of about six months, leaving room for talks.
The European Commission has also previously expressed support for the ICC. In a briefing on 29 September, the Commission said it would continue providing practical support and would, for the time being, give priority to diplomatic contacts. In a response to the European Parliament, the Commission said it was examining measures to protect the court’s continuity.
An important point of debate is the European Union’s Blocking Statute, which can protect European companies from certain extraterritorial sanctions. The Commission has not yet announced that it will activate the instrument in response to these new US measures.
The precise legal scope of the sanctions was not yet fully public on Friday. As a result, it is still unclear which banks, technology companies or other suppliers will adjust their dealings with the court. What is clear is that the measure increases pressure on an institution that has previously seen US sanctions imposed on officials.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The United States has announced new sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
- The ICC says it will continue its investigations and trials.
- The Netherlands and the European Commission have expressed support for the court.
- The precise legal scope of the sanctions is not yet fully public.
Left
Arguments International prosecution of war crimes should remain independent of powerful states. Sanctions against judges and institutions can deprive victims of their last chance of justice.
Values The international rule of law, equality before the law and the protection of victims.
Consequences European countries should actively protect the court and, if necessary, take economic countermeasures, even if that creates tension with Washington.
Centre
Arguments The court’s independence must be defended, but diplomacy and legal protection should be given priority initially. European measures should be proportionate and workable.
Values The rule of law, institutional continuity and the containment of international escalation.
Consequences The EU can provide practical support while negotiating to limit harm to European companies and the transatlantic relationship.
Right
Arguments An international court should not claim jurisdiction over countries that do not recognise its authority. From this perspective, sanctions are a legitimate means of protecting national sovereignty.
Values National democratic control, sovereignty and restraint on the part of international institutions.
Consequences The court should limit or reform its mandate; European support for the court could further damage relations with the United States.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The key facts have been confirmed by AP, Reuters, the ICC and European institutions. The effects on banks and suppliers are presented as possible consequences because the full text of the sanctions was not yet public.
- confirmed The United States announced new sanctions against the International Criminal Court on 9 October. — Confirmed by AP and Reuters. source
- confirmed The measures could also affect companies that provide services to the court. — Reuters describes possible sanctions against service providers; AP reports a ban on transactions with the court. source
- confirmed The ICC says it will continue its work. — Confirmed by the ICC’s statement. source
- confirmed The European Commission supports the ICC and is examining protective measures. — Confirmed by the Commission briefing and its response to the European Parliament. source
Editor's note
The sanctions and the responses from the ICC, the Netherlands and the European Commission have been confirmed. The full legal text and the precise effects on European service providers were not yet available at the time of publication.Sources
- US hits International Criminal Court with sweeping sanctions — Associated Press
- Exclusive: US imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court — Reuters via StreetInsider
- ICC statement on US sanctions — International Criminal Court
- EC midday briefing on ICC and United States — European Commission
- EU measures to protect ICC operations — European Parliament
The story so far
- Friday, 9 October 2026, 11:44 Navi Pillay awarded Nobel Peace Prize
- Friday, 9 October 2026, 15:44 Pillay responds to Nobel Prize with a joke
- Friday, 9 October 2026, 16:45 US imposes new sanctions on ICC
- Friday, 9 October 2026, 17:49 EU backs ICC after new US sanctions (this article)
- Friday, 9 October 2026, 18:46 Eight countries voice support for International Criminal Court
More on this in Dutch media
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- De Telegraaf — „internationaal strafhof”