EU Lawmakers Seek to Shield International Criminal Court from U.S. Sanctions

European legislators are preparing a “blocking statute” that would prohibit EU companies from complying with United States sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The measure aims to preserve the court’s ability to pay staff, maintain IT services and keep detention facilities operational despite the sanctions.

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The United States has sanctioned 13 ICC officials, including President Tomoko Akane of Japan, alleging links to terrorism and illicit finance. Under EU law, a blocking statute can nullify the extraterritorial effect of foreign sanctions on European businesses, effectively shielding the ICC from the financial pressure imposed by Washington.

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited the ICC on Monday, signaling German support for the court even as Germany maintains a strong backing of Israel. At a joint press conference, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described the proposed blocking statute as the “nuclear option,” underscoring the seriousness with which the Netherlands views the U.S. move. The Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that the government is in contact with the European Commission to expedite the statute’s enactment. French judge Nicolas Guillou warned that the sanctions raise fundamental questions about democracy and the rule of law in Europe.

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“What’s at stake is whether we are going to be a democracy in the 21st century,” — Nicolas Guillou, french judge

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The Dutch government’s liaison with the European Commission suggests that the blocking statute could be adopted quickly, though no specific timeline has been set. If enacted, the statute would create a legal barrier for EU firms, compelling them to choose between U.S. sanctions compliance and EU law. The outcome will shape the ICC’s operational capacity and test the limits of trans-Atlantic legal coordination.

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