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Kallas buys time on EU response to US sanctions against the ICC
POLITICO.eu • • world
Key Points:
- The EU plans to use the coming months to open dialogue on how to respond to U.S. sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), resisting calls from lawmakers for immediate action.
- Nearly 60 MEPs have urged the Commission to swiftly activate the blocking statute to prevent EU firms from complying with U.S. sanctions, but EU diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for careful preparation.
- The U.S. sanctions, announced earlier this month and targeting ICC judges and prosecutors, will take effect after a 180-day delay starting October 9, providing time for the EU to analyze legal implications and seek solutions.
- Kallas warned that U.S. efforts to undermine the ICC threaten global justice, especially amid the Court’s investigations into Russian war crimes in Ukraine, and stressed the EU’s commitment to supporting the ICC and its partners.
- Irish European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne highlighted the sanctions delay as an opportunity for dialogue while maintaining readiness to take necessary measures, reflecting EU leaders’ stance after their recent meeting.
