EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a six month period before the measures take effect offers a window for dialogue, following a conversation with Akane. Belgium called for activation of the EU Blocking Statute to protect the court and those supporting its work. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said EU foreign ministers would discuss support for the ICC on Monday and at the forthcoming European Council.
The sanctions target the court itself rather than only individual officials, threatening its access to banking, insurance, software and other services. Treasury issued licenses permitting certain transactions involving telecommunications, enterprise software, detainees and pensions. Washington has objected to ICC arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and a now closed investigation into US soldiers in Afghanistan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned: “Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.” The announcement came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.