Brussels:The European Commission is contemplating the activation of its Blocking Statute to protect the International Criminal Court (ICC) from recent US sanctions. This consideration comes in response to Washington's recent measures aimed at undermining the ICC's operations.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, EU spokesperson Siobhan McGarry stated that the Blocking Statute remains "on the table" as a potential tool to defend senior ICC officials against these US punitive actions. The EU has been in communication with its member states regarding the possible activation following the US announcement.
McGarry emphasized that while preparatory discussions are underway to explore protective measures for the ICC, no definitive decision has been taken on activating the statute. The EU is currently consulting with several states party to the court to identify practical steps should sanctions proceed.
The US announced sanctions on the ICC on October 9, coinciding with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay, a founding judge of the ICC. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ICC as a "rogue court" and threatened to end its operations unless it ceased its actions, reflecting the Trump administration's intensified campaign against the tribunal.