Brussels reaffirms support for global justice as Washington intensifies campaign against tribunal
BRUSSELS: The European Union on Tuesday strongly condemned threats directed at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the United States announced a broad campaign against the Hague-based tribunal, escalating tensions over the court’s role in international justice.
EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to international criminal justice and accountability, stressing that threats or attacks against the court, its elected officials, staff or those cooperating with its work were unacceptable.
“We are strongly committed to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity,” El Anouni said, emphasizing continued European support for the ICC’s independence and mandate.
The remarks followed statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who accused the court of acting beyond its authority and infringing upon American sovereignty. In a video posted on social media and an opinion article published in The Wall Street Journal, Rubio pledged to “dismantle” the ICC, arguing that it posed what he described as an unacceptable threat to the United States.
Washington outlines pressure campaign
The US State Department said it intended to pursue measures aimed at limiting the court’s ability to act against American interests. Officials indicated that Washington would use diplomatic, political and financial tools to pressure the tribunal and encourage allied nations to reconsider their support for the institution.
According to US officials, the strategy would also focus on countries that depend heavily on American military cooperation and foreign assistance.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations expressed concern that sustained pressure against the ICC could weaken international accountability mechanisms and undermine the global rules-based legal order established after World War II.
The latest exchange highlights growing divisions between Washington and European allies over the future of international criminal justice. While the United States continues to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, the European Union has reiterated its commitment to preserving the ICC’s independence and supporting efforts to combat impunity through international law.
