Dutch premier vows to 'do whatever is needed' to defend ICC amid announced US sanctions

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on Friday vowed to take all necessary steps to defend the International Criminal Court (ICC) against announced US sanctions, expressing hope that diplomatic efforts would prevent their implementation.

"I think now the message to the United States is crystal clear: We will do whatever we need to defend the ICC," Jetten said at a joint news conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in the Netherlands.

Jetten condemned the announced sanctions, describing the escalation as "disappointing," but welcomed diplomatic efforts that had prevented the measures from taking immediate effect.

He said a six-month window would allow continued discussions with Washington and other parties to find a solution and prevent the sanctions from being implemented by April next year.

"The ICC is such an important part of the international legal order," Jetten said, pledging to ensure that the court could continue functioning despite mounting pressure.

He also reassured companies supplying goods and services to the ICC that they could continue their operations for at least the next six months.

Jetten said EU countries and partners outside Europe, including those in North America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, were preparing additional measures for next year if necessary.

EU considers measures to protect court

Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting the ICC, stressing that international justice was essential to upholding international law.

He said the bloc deeply regretted the announced US sanctions and urged Washington to use the coming six months to resolve the dispute through dialogue.

Asked whether the EU would invoke its Blocking Statute to mitigate the impact of the sanctions, Costa said the bloc would adopt "adequate measures" to protect the ICC, its members and staff.

He added that the six-month period would be used to determine which measures were necessary.

The EU's Blocking Statute seeks to shield EU companies and individuals from complying with certain foreign sanctions.

The remarks followed an announcement of sanctions against the court by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio threatened to "end the ICC" unless it stopped what he described as its "threats."

The ICC, based in The Hague, is an independent international tribunal responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.