ICC receives European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize amid US sanctions
MEPs have also urged the European Commission to use EU instruments to protect the Netherlands-based court, but no concrete action has followed.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) received the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on 22 October 2026. The choice expressed Parliament’s support for the court against US sanctions. The prize is awarded annually for work defending fundamental freedoms and human rights.
The administration of US President Donald Trump announced the sanctions on 9 October. It had repeatedly criticised the warrant issued by the ICC for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the court’s inquiry into US troops’ conduct in Afghanistan. French MEP Chloé Ridel, who nominated the ICC, said the award expressed resistance to Trump and support for international justice.
The nomination of the court and its officials came from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group before gaining backing from other groups. Parliament’s political group leaders picked the ICC rather than fellow finalists Tundu Lissu, a Tanzanian lawyer facing political persecution, and Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, nominated to represent those persecuted by Iran’s authorities.
MEPs from different political groups have asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to protect the court, particularly by using the EU’s Blocking Statute. This shields European individuals and companies against certain foreign sanctions. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, rejected the sanctions threat on 9 October and reaffirmed support for international law. The EU has not yet taken concrete action.
