EU Leaders Criticize Trump's Sanctions Targeting the International Criminal Court.
Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa condemn U.S. sanctions on the ICC, labeling them a danger to international 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 statements 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 globally," she stated.
"It should be allowed to freely pursue the fight against global impunity. Europe will always advocate for justice and uphold international law."
Trump’s executive order, announced on February 8, enforces asset freezes and travel bans on ICC personnel and their families if they participate in investigations involving U.S. citizens or allies.
These sanctions follow the Court’s decision in November 2024 to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump’s action, asserting that it diminishes the global criminal justice system.
His comments came shortly after meeting with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, where they explored ways for the European Union to bolster its support for the Court amid increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a close ally of Trump, was the first world leader to visit the newly inaugurated U.S. president, holding meetings with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has proposed the removal of Palestinians from Gaza after the conflict, envisioning the development of the region into what he refers to as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements from the Commission and Council presidents aimed to reaffirm European backing for the ICC and the broader framework of international law.
The official also noted that while European leaders are closely watching Trump’s statements, their response will emphasize tangible actions such as the executive order against the Court.
These recent events add to the tensions between the EU and U.S. regarding international legal institutions, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation in human rights and global justice.
In statements 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 globally," she stated.
"It should be allowed to freely pursue the fight against global impunity. Europe will always advocate for justice and uphold international law."
Trump’s executive order, announced on February 8, enforces asset freezes and travel bans on ICC personnel and their families if they participate in investigations involving U.S. citizens or allies.
These sanctions follow the Court’s decision in November 2024 to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Costa also condemned Trump’s action, asserting that it diminishes the global criminal justice system.
His comments came shortly after meeting with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, where they explored ways for the European Union to bolster its support for the Court amid increasing external pressures.
Netanyahu, a close ally of Trump, was the first world leader to visit the newly inaugurated U.S. president, holding meetings with American lawmakers during his visit.
In the meantime, Trump has proposed the removal of Palestinians from Gaza after the conflict, envisioning the development of the region into what he refers to as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
A senior EU official confirmed that the statements from the Commission and Council presidents aimed to reaffirm European backing for the ICC and the broader framework of international law.
The official also noted that while European leaders are closely watching Trump’s statements, their response will emphasize tangible actions such as the executive order against the Court.
These recent events add to the tensions between the EU and U.S. regarding international legal institutions, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation in human rights and global justice.