Photo by Jan van der Wolf
The International Criminal Court stands as a global pillar of justice. As threats to its legitimacy grow, the European Union must step up as a firm and vocal defender. Read why EU leadership now matters more than ever.
Upholding Justice: The EU’s Role in Defending the ICC
As threats against the International Criminal Court (ICC) intensify, the European Union stands at a crossroads. Sanctions imposed by the United States, rising political hostility from powerful states, and troubling signs of non-cooperation by EU member countries risk undermining the Court’s mission to deliver justice for victims of the most serious international crimes. The ICC was founded on a promise to ensure accountability when national systems fail—and that promise is under threat.
The EU has long championed the Court’s independence and universality, rooted in the values of human rights and the rule of law. But values require action. With ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan now under U.S. sanctions and high-profile arrest warrants disregarded by EU governments, clear leadership is needed. The European Union must not only speak out but act—by invoking the Blocking Statute, holding member states accountable, and publicly reaffirming its commitment to the ICC and the Rome Statute.
