European Commission: All options on the table to protect the International Criminal Court from US sanctions
The European Commission is considering activating the "Blocking Statute" to protect the International Criminal Court from US sanctions, stressing that all options are on the table to ensure the court's continued operation, against the backdrop of Washington's opposition to its prosecution of Israeli officials for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The European Commission is considering activating the European "Blocking Statute" to protect the International Criminal Court from US sanctions, stressing that all options are on the table to ensure the court's continued operation. This came in statements by Commission spokesperson Siobhán McGarry on Monday, in response to journalists' questions at the daily press conference. McGarry explained that US sanctions on the court were on the agenda of the EU leaders' summit held on Thursday and Friday. She noted that the Commission is in dialogue with member states regarding the activation of the blocking statute, but said there is no specific date or timeline for its activation in this regard. She expressed hope for reaching a more suitable solution that ensures the court continues its vital work. These statements come in the context of Washington's announcement, on October 9, of its intention to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court, following the former judge Navi Pillay winning the Nobel Peace Prize for 2026.