The International Criminal Court (ICC) has urged its member states to oppose sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump, viewing them as detrimental to the court’s impartiality. The call for support was echoed by key European leaders, including European Council President António Costa, who warned that such sanctions could undermine global justice. The White House justified the sanctions as a response to what it described as “illegitimate actions” against the US and Israel.
The ICC condemned the sanctions, reaffirming its commitment to justice for victims of atrocities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Germany’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong support for the ICC, with Germany stating its role as a leading supporter of the court’s mission. The sanctions target ICC officials and threaten asset freezes and travel restrictions.
Human rights advocates cautioned that these measures could hinder accountability for mass atrocities, paralleling moves by authoritarian regimes to obstruct justice. The Netherlands voiced regret over the sanctions, while Hungary aligned with Trump’s stance. This marks the second attempt by Trump to impose sanctions on the ICC, having previously targeted its officials during his first term.