EU diplomat says Brussels will take months to consider response to US ICC sanctions

EU foreign affairs minister Kaja Kallas told the European Parliament on Tuesday that the Commission will spend the next several months analysing legal implications and opening discussions on how to address the United States' sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). She said the bloc will keep all options, including the use of the EU's blocking statute, under consideration and urged companies not to over-comply with the US measures.

Nearly 60 members of the European Parliament from various political groups have called for an immediate activation of the blocking statute, which would prohibit EU firms from complying with the US sanctions. The lawmakers urged a swift response after the White House announced sanctions that target nine ICC judges and the chief prosecutor, restricting their access to US financial and service providers.

Kallas said the EU will analyse the full legal implications before deciding on any action, noting that the sanctions are expected to take effect after a 180-day delay starting on Oct. 9. Irish European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne, representing the EU Council presidency, described the delay as an opportunity for dialogue while remaining prepared to take necessary measures.

The United States has been urging countries to withdraw from the ICC, and Kallas warned that recent decisions by several African nations and Venezuela to leave the court could undermine global justice. She highlighted the ICC's investigations into alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine and said the EU would continue to work with partners to support the court, adding that the bloc has practical means to do more. Kallas said she would travel to The Hague later in the week for further discussions.