EU calls US sanctions announcement against International Criminal Court 'deeply regrettable'

Bloc reaffirms support for court's independence, signals readiness to take measures to protect its operations and sees opportunity for dialogue with Washington

The EU on Friday called the US announcement of imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court "deeply regrettable," reaffirming its commitment to protecting the court's independence and operations. "The European Union has been a constant supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It is deeply regrettable that the United States has announced intentions to impose sanctions," the European Commission said in a statement. The bloc pledged to work closely with the court to ensure it could continue operating effectively. It also said it would cooperate with all 125 states party to the Rome Statute, the court's founding treaty, to safeguard its independence and "vital mission." Noting that the sanctions would not take effect for another six months, the EU said there was still an opportunity for dialogue with Washington. The bloc also signaled its readiness to take measures to protect the court's operations. "The EU stands ready to take any necessary measures to enable the Court to carry out its work both in investigating and prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, and to protect the interests of EU operators within the Single Market," the statement said. The EU's response followed an announcement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of new sanctions against the court. Rubio threatened to "end the ICC" unless it stopped what he described as its "threats."