BRUSSELS, October 10, 2026 (WAFA) — The European Union on Saturday expressed regret over the United States' decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an institution, calling on Washington to reverse the measure.

In a statement issued on behalf of the bloc by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the EU reaffirmed its support for the rules-based international order and respect for international law, stressing that the ICC is a fundamental pillar of that system.

The statement said the court plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes and does not target sovereign states.

It stressed that targeting or threatening the court, its elected officials, staff, civil society representatives and service providers cooperating with it is unacceptable.

The EU emphasized that the ICC must be able to operate independently, free from pressure or external interference. It also reaffirmed the bloc's full support for the court and its readiness to take all necessary measures to ensure it can continue carrying out its mandate effectively and protect its staff and those cooperating with it.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Washington's intention to impose sanctions on the ICC, following former ICC judge Navi Pillay's receipt of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Army Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

M.N