Kallas: Protection of the International Criminal Court remains an EU priority
Kaja Kallas said on October 9, 2026 that the EU has options to safeguard the ICC after the United States announced sweeping sanctions.
On October 9, 2026 the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, published a message on X defending the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and warning that the bloc will take steps to ensure the tribunal can continue its work.
In her post Kallas wrote: "It prosecutes individuals responsible for the most serious crimes under international law." She added that she had spoken with ICC President Tomoko Akane after the announced intention of the United States to impose sanctions, and quoted: "I spoke with the President of the ICC, Tomoko Akane, following the announced intention of the United States to impose sanctions. The six-month period before the measures come into force offers an opportunity for dialogue," she added.
EU signals backing for the court as Washington moves
The statement underlined that the European Union has consistently supported the Court and "has options to ensure it can continue its vital work." "The protection of the ICC remains an EU priority," Kallas stressed.
Separately, the U.S. Department of State announced on October 9, 2026 that the United States is imposing extensive sanctions on the International Criminal Court. The department said the measures will ban transactions with the Court based in The Hague, cut off its resources and seriously limit its ability to operate.
In its statement the State Department said: "We will never allow the ICC to try Americans." The diplomatic move sets a six-month window before restrictions take effect, a period Kallas highlighted as a chance for diplomatic engagement.
Photo: press material from the event
