Commissioner: We will examine all possible measures to protect ICC staff

Luxembourg – The justice ministers of EU member states expressed support for the court during a discussion on the recent imposition of American sanctions against four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including Slovenian Beti Hohler. As stated by the relevant European Commissioner Michael McGrath, Brussels will examine all possible measures to protect ICC staff.

“The discussion made it clear that support for the work of the ICC is strong. The Commission will therefore continue to monitor the situation, provide support to the ICC, and explore all possible measures to protect the work of the ICC and its staff in the coming period,” said the Commissioner for Justice.

The State Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Justice Milan Brglez emphasized that the discussion reached “a broad consensus” on the urgent need for joint action to protect the court, condemn the sanctions, and also the need to explore how Brussels could contribute to the functioning of the ICC with the so-called EU blocking statute.

Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar clarified that the EU Council, composed of justice ministers, is not competent to make decisions regarding the blocking statute aimed at protecting Union citizens from the actions of third countries. However, he thanked Brglez for raising this issue.

The justice ministers discussed this topic after Washington imposed sanctions against four ICC judges, including Slovenian Beti Hohler, who is the only Union citizen among them, due to “actions against the USA and Israel” a week ago. Among other things, their potential assets and business dealings in the USA have been blocked. (June 12)