EU’s Antonio Costa Warns of Threat to International Justice After US Sanctions on ICC

Brussels, February 7, 2025 (Reuters) – European Council President Antonio Costa issued a strong warning on Friday, stating that sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC) by the United States pose a significant threat to the independence of the court and the integrity of the broader international judicial system. Costa’s comments came in response to recent sanctions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump over the ICC’s investigations into potential war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan and Israeli officials in the Palestinian territories.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Costa emphasized the importance of safeguarding the independence of international legal institutions. He wrote, “Sanctioning the ICC threatens the Court’s independence and undermines the international criminal justice system as a whole.” His remarks reflect broader concerns within the European Union regarding the potential erosion of trust in international bodies tasked with upholding justice and accountability on the global stage.

The sanctions imposed by the Trump administration specifically targeted ICC officials involved in investigations into actions by U.S. and Israeli forces. The former president signed an executive order in 2020, freezing the assets and restricting travel for ICC personnel involved in investigating American and Israeli military actions. The decision came in response to the ICC’s decision to pursue investigations into alleged war crimes and human rights abuses committed by U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan, as well as accusations of similar actions by Israeli forces in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On the same day, Israel voiced its strong approval of the sanctions, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praising Trump’s decision. Saar took to X to express his appreciation, stating, “I strongly commend @POTUS President Trump’s executive order imposing sanctions on the so-called ‘international criminal court.’” He further criticized the ICC, calling its actions against Israel “immoral” and lacking any legal foundation.

Israel has long been a vocal critic of the ICC, which in 2021 authorized an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories, including Israeli settlements and military operations. Israel has argued that the court has no jurisdiction over such matters, as the country is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.

The conflicting positions of the EU and Israel highlight the ongoing tensions over the ICC’s role in global justice. While the EU, including Costa, stresses the importance of an impartial and independent judicial system, Israel and some U.S. officials continue to challenge the legitimacy of the court’s actions, particularly in cases involving their own military and political interests.

The issue of ICC sanctions is part of a larger debate over the court’s role in holding powerful nations accountable for alleged human rights violations and war crimes. Critics of the ICC argue that its actions are politically motivated, while supporters emphasize the need for a global system that can address impunity and ensure accountability, particularly in conflict zones where domestic courts may be unable or unwilling to prosecute offenders.

As tensions continue to rise over the ICC’s investigations, the international community is left to grapple with the consequences of such sanctions on the credibility and effectiveness of global justice systems.