U.S. sanctions on the ICC, which is based in The Hague, would present it with numerous operational challenges such as paying staff, accessing IT services and maintaining its detention facilities. The blocking statute could protect the court by preventing European companies from complying with U.S. sanctions.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday visited the ICC in a show of support. His appearance was notable given Germany’s otherwise stalwart backing for Israel.
At a joint press conference with Wadephul, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen called the blocking statute the “nuclear option,” the AP reported. The Dutch government has been in touch with the Commission to ensure it can be quickly enacted, the Foreign Affairs Ministry told POLITICO.
French judge Nicolas Guillou, speaking at the economy committee hearing, said: “What’s at stake is whether we are going to be a democracy in the 21st century,” adding: “Will there be the rule of law in Europe?”
“We are in between terrorists from al Qaeda and Daesh, with some kleptocrats and some international drug traffickers in the same list.”
Guillou is one 13 ICC officials that the U.S. has sanctioned, including its president, Tomoko Akane of Japan.