In a joint statement posted on X in response to the new sanctions, von der Leyen and Costa said they “stand firmly with the [ICC], President Tomoko Akane and the officials who uphold its mission.” The court helps deliver justice to victims of some of the world’s worst crimes, they noted, and its judges and officials must be able to work “independently and without external pressure.”
Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera struck a similar tone, calling the sanctions “profoundly sad and unfair.” The EU stands with the court, its president and officials, she said.
The statements add to mounting pushback from other U.S. allies.
Germany similarly said it stood by Akane and the court on Wednesday, with Martin Giese — a deputy spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry — stating the ICC was “fulfilling its mandate exactly as intended” by holding perpetrators of the gravest crimes to account.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen posted on X Tuesday evening, saying the Netherlands “disapproves” of the sanctions and warning that international courts “must be able to freely carry out their mandates.” Berendsen has invited Akane to The Hague for talks on continued Dutch support.
Washington has been ramping up pressure on the court recently, with Rubio vowing to “systematically dismantle” the tribunal’s ability to act against Americans and other non-member countries.