European leaders condemn new US sanctions on ICC officials
European leaders on Wednesday condemned new US sanctions targeting officials of the International Criminal Court, warning that the measures threaten judicial independence and the court’s ability to pursue accountability for serious international crimes.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed their support for ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and other court officials.
“The ICC helps deliver justice to the victims of some of the world’s most horrific crimes,” they said in a joint statement, stressing that judges and officials must be able to work independently and without external pressure.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also expressed the bloc’s “unwavering support” for the court, describing it as a cornerstone of the international criminal justice system and the global fight against impunity.
She said the sanctions against Akane and Abdoulaye Seye, a senior trial lawyer in the ICC prosecutor’s office, undermined the court’s work and warned that its independence must remain free from “pressure, intimidation or interference.”
European governments back court
The UK Foreign Office said Britain supports the ICC’s independence and remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for the most serious international crimes are held accountable.
Germany also defended the court and its president. Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Martin Giese said the ICC had exposed serious crimes against humanity and held perpetrators of grave crimes accountable.
He acknowledged that the court, like any institution, could face criticism, but said its shortcomings were not grounds to fundamentally question its role.
“For Germany, it is of central importance to defend and protect the International Criminal Court as an independent institution,” Giese said.
Spain described the sanctions as a “flagrant attack” on the ICC’s independence, integrity and impartiality, while stressing the court’s essential role in securing accountability and protecting victims.
The Netherlands also rejected the measures, with Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen saying international courts and tribunals must be free to carry out their mandates.
France condemns pressure on court
France condemned the sanctions, saying they undermine the ICC and its 125 member states and violate the principle of judicial independence.
The French Foreign Ministry said it opposed any threats or coercive measures against the court, its staff and civil society groups supporting its work. Paris also expressed solidarity with the targeted judges and reaffirmed its support for the ICC.
UN rights chief urges US to lift sanctions
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called the latest measures “unacceptable” and urged the United States to lift the sanctions.
Turk also called on countries to defend institutions established to uphold human rights and the rule of law and to protect court officials targeted by sanctions.
ICC says nine judges are sanctioned
The ICC said the latest US measures target Akane and Seye, a Senegalese senior trial lawyer in the Office of the Prosecutor.
The sanctions form part of broader measures imposed against the court by US President Donald Trump in February 2025.
The ICC strongly rejected the latest designations, calling them “flagrant attacks” on judicial independence.
According to the court, nine of its 18 judges, both deputy prosecutors, its former prosecutor and one staff member are now subject to US sanctions.
