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European Commission spokesperson Siobhan McGarry said in Brussels that the EU is examining every available measure to protect the International Criminal Court from US sanctions, noting that a blocking statute is among the options under review. She added that the bloc was not ready to adopt such a step at this stage and that consultations with member states are ongoing.

McGarry said the sanctions issue is expected to be discussed at the EU leaders' summit in Brussels on October 15-16. She stated that the bloc's preference is for the United States not to implement the measures. She said the Commission wants the court to be able to continue what it called its vital work on war crimes and crimes against humanity.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions after former ICC judge Navi Pillay of South Africa won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, saying Washington would not allow Americans to be prosecuted by the court and warning that the ICC must stop its threats or be dismantled. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, and Washington imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane along with other judges and prosecutors in August.

Key Takeaways

• The EU is reviewing a blocking statute as one option to counter US sanctions on the ICC, but says it is not ready to act yet.
• The issue is expected on the agenda of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels on October 15-16.
• Washington sanctioned ICC officials after ex-judge Navi Pillay won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.