Belgium condemns US sanctions targeting ICC officials

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on Thursday condemned recent US sanctions targeting officials of the International Criminal Court, including its president and a senior lawyer in the prosecutor's office. He warned that such measures undermine the tribunal's independence and weaken the global fight against impunity.

Speaking on the social media platform X, Prevot stated: "Belgium condemns all sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court, its officials and those cooperating with it. The measures undermine the Court’s independence and impartiality and weaken the global fight against impunity." He added that the court must remain free to fulfill its mandate without intimidation or political pressure.

Sovereignty and international law

Prevot rejected arguments that sanctions defend national sovereignty, stating: "This is not about defending national sovereignty. On the contrary, sovereignty also carries the responsibility to abide by the fundamental principles of international law."

The Belgian minister reaffirmed Brussels' commitment to victims and civil society organizations working to advance accountability. He noted that the government would maintain its stance against unilateral punitive measures targeting judicial institutions.

EU blocking statute

Prevot confirmed that Belgium would push for the activation of the EU Blocking Statute. The legislation prohibits European companies from complying with US sanctions imposed beyond American jurisdiction, serving as Brussels' primary legal defense against extraterritorial measures.

The statute has previously been deployed to counter US sanctions on Iran and Cuba. It offers legal protection to EU businesses from foreign penalties while preserving the bloc's economic sovereignty against unilateral coercive measures.