Kallas seeks time for diplomacy as lawmakers press for International Criminal Court protection
Kaja Kallas told the European Parliament that the EU would use the coming months for legal examination and dialogue over US sanctions against the International Criminal Court. Lawmakers pressed for quicker action through the blocking statute. The disagreement concerns how to protect the court and its service providers before the latest sanctions take effect.
Geopolitics··Morning
Kallas calls for legal examination and diplomacy
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign-policy chief, told the European Parliament on October 20 that the coming months offered time for dialogue over US sanctions against the International Criminal Court. She also said the EU needed to examine the legal implications of the measures.[1], [2]
The debate attended by Kallas in Strasbourg brought renewed pressure from lawmakers seeking quicker protection for the court. Nearly 60 members from different political groups had asked the European Commission to act after the White House announced sweeping sanctions earlier in the month. Kallas said the executive needed time to consider their full legal effects, open dialogue and look for solutions.[1]
Lawmakers seek a shield for European companies
Lawmakers want the blocking statute activated. This is the legal instrument intended to prevent EU companies from complying with US sanctions. Kallas said all options should stay available, while stressing that using the statute required careful preparation. She argued that the EU had one opportunity to do it well and called on companies to avoid restrictions exceeding what the sanctions actually require.[1]
The latest sanctions are expected to take effect after a 180-day delay beginning on October 9. The Trump administration had already targeted nine judges and the chief prosecutor, cutting them off from US service providers, including banks. The debate therefore covers access to services as well as the court’s legal work.[1]
Byrne also backs the opportunity for dialogue
Irish European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne, representing the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU, said the delay offered an opportunity for dialogue while the bloc remained ready to take necessary measures. Kallas also warned that moves by Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Venezuela to reject or withdraw from the court risked weakening global justice. Kallas cited the court’s investigations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine and said the EU would work with partners to strengthen it. She also announced a visit to The Hague that week.[1]
