EU Considers Blocking Statute to Shield International Criminal Court
(MENAFN) The European Commission is examining options to protect the International Criminal Court (ICC) from US sanctions, including the possible activation of the EU's blocking statute, a commission spokesperson said on Monday.
Speaking during a briefing in Brussels, Siobhan McGarry said the commission had consulted EU member states following Washington's announcement of sanctions targeting the court.
She explained that officials were preparing and evaluating potential safeguards to ensure the ICC could continue operating, although the bloc had not decided whether to activate the statute or established a timetable for doing so.
"The blocking statute still remains on the table," she said.
"We have no definitive date or time for the activation, or we won't prejudge whether we will activate it. We're obviously still hoping that we can find a more optimal outcome to allow the court to continue its vital work," she added.
The EU's blocking statute is intended to shield European businesses and individuals from being compelled to comply with certain sanctions imposed by foreign governments.
McGarry also confirmed that the commission was consulting several countries that are parties to the ICC to identify practical steps to protect the institution's activities should the US measures take effect.
"I don't want to go into the measures that are being explored, but obviously the Dutch are very, very much leading on this work," she said.
The commission's deliberations reflect ongoing efforts to determine how the EU could preserve the court's ability to carry out its judicial responsibilities while responding to the potential consequences of US sanctions.
Speaking during a briefing in Brussels, Siobhan McGarry said the commission had consulted EU member states following Washington's announcement of sanctions targeting the court.
She explained that officials were preparing and evaluating potential safeguards to ensure the ICC could continue operating, although the bloc had not decided whether to activate the statute or established a timetable for doing so.
"The blocking statute still remains on the table," she said.
"We have no definitive date or time for the activation, or we won't prejudge whether we will activate it. We're obviously still hoping that we can find a more optimal outcome to allow the court to continue its vital work," she added.
The EU's blocking statute is intended to shield European businesses and individuals from being compelled to comply with certain sanctions imposed by foreign governments.
McGarry also confirmed that the commission was consulting several countries that are parties to the ICC to identify practical steps to protect the institution's activities should the US measures take effect.
"I don't want to go into the measures that are being explored, but obviously the Dutch are very, very much leading on this work," she said.
The commission's deliberations reflect ongoing efforts to determine how the EU could preserve the court's ability to carry out its judicial responsibilities while responding to the potential consequences of US sanctions.
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