Belgium and Slovenia Urge EU to Invoke Blocking Statute Against US Sanctions on ICC Judges

Brussels: Belgium and Slovenia are advocating for the European Union to activate its blocking statute in response to recent United States sanctions targeting judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Despite this request, the European Commission has not yet complied but will monitor the situation and consider further actions if necessary. According to Emirates News Agency, the Trump administration recently imposed sanctions on four ICC judges. Two of these judges had issued an arrest warrant for Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, while the other two were involved in investigating potential war crimes by American troops in Afghanistan. The sanctions effectively freeze the judges' assets within the United States. Belgium and Slovenia are pushing for the EU to employ the blocking statute, a measure typically used to shield European companies from the impact of sanctions imposed by third countries that the EU deems unlawful. Belgium's foreign minister Maxime Prévot emphasized the importance of protec ting the ICC's independence and ensuring justice for severe crimes. He stated on X, "Standing with the ICC means standing with the rule of law." The European Commission, however, is currently not implementing Belgium and Slovenia's request. Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper stated that they are monitoring the sanctions' implications and will consider any necessary steps in the future. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa expressed their support for the ICC on X, highlighting the court's role in upholding international justice and the necessity of maintaining its independence and integrity. They reiterated that the rule of law should prevail over the rule of power. The ICC, operational since 2002, prosecutes suspects of genocide and crimes against humanity. Notably, the United States and Israel are not members of the court. In a statement, the ICC highlighted its role in providing justice and hope to victims of severe atrocities and criticized ac tions that undermine accountability and embolden impunity.