Kallas calls for talks and legal review over US sanctions on ICC
Nearly 60 MEPs want the European Commission to invoke a blocking statute that would prevent EU companies from complying with the US measures.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told lawmakers on 20 October 2026 that the European Commission would use the coming months to examine the legal implications of US sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), pursue talks and explore solutions.
At the European Parliament’s Strasbourg plenary, Kallas faced demands for a quicker response. Nearly 60 MEPs across political groups have sought activation of the EU’s blocking statute following the White House’s announcement earlier in October. The measure would prohibit EU businesses from observing the US sanctions.
Kallas said all options should remain available, but argued that using the statute required careful preparation. She also urged businesses not to go beyond what the sanctions require. Implementation of the US measures is expected after a 180-day postponement running from 9 October.
President Donald Trump’s administration had previously sanctioned the court’s chief prosecutor and nine judges, blocking their access to services supplied by US providers, including banking. Irish European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne, speaking for Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, said the delay created room for dialogue while the EU remained ready to take necessary measures.
Pointing to the ICC’s work investigating Russian war crimes in Ukraine, Kallas pledged further cooperation with partners to bolster the court. She warned that countries withdrawing under US pressure would also face consequences for their ties with the EU.
