Commissioner: We will consider all potential measures to safeguard ICC staff

Luxembourg – During a recent meeting, EU justice ministers expressed their backing for the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the imposition of American sanctions on four judges, including Slovenia’s Beti Hohler. European Commissioner Michael McGrath indicated that Brussels would explore all possible measures to safeguard ICC personnel.

“The discussion reinforced the strong support for the ICC’s work. The Commission will remain vigilant, continue to back the ICC, and investigate all options to ensure the protection of its activities and staff in the foreseeable future,” remarked the Commissioner for Justice.

Slovenia’s State Secretary for Justice Milan Brglez highlighted the broad consensus on the urgent need for collaborative action to defend the court, denounce the sanctions, and examine how Brussels could facilitate the ICC’s operations through the EU blocking statute.

Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar noted that while the EU Council, which comprises justice ministers, lacks the authority to decide on the blocking statute intended to shield Union citizens from third-country actions, he appreciated Brglez for bringing this matter to attention.

The discussion ensued following U.S. sanctions against four ICC judges last week, including Slovenian Beti Hohler, the only EU citizen targeted, for “actions against the USA and Israel.” The sanctions involve the freezing of their potential assets and business dealings within the United States. (June 12)


Comments

7 responses to “Commissioner: We will consider all potential measures to safeguard ICC staff”

  1. Wonder Lady Avatar
    Wonder Lady

    Brilliant! Nothing like a good old EU brainstorming session to tackle threats to justice, eh? Can’t wait to see what “all possible measures” entail—maybe a strongly worded email or two? 🤔✉️

  2. Looks like the EU’s got their hands full, eh? Safeguarding ICC staff sounds like a jolly good plan, but let’s hope they don’t just end up wrapping them in bubble wrap and calling it a day. 😂

  3. Lucky Martian Avatar
    Lucky Martian

    Oh, fantastic! Just what we needed—another meeting where everyone agrees to “explore all options” while sipping espressos. I suppose the ICC staff should feel safer knowing our esteemed bureaucrats are on the case. 🙄💼

  4. pepper mouse Avatar
    pepper mouse

    Seems like everyone’s ready for a grand game of “let’s protect our judges from the big bad US” – because who wouldn’t want to rally behind a court that’s more popular than a rainy day in England? 🇬🇧💼

  5. Clover Rabbit Avatar
    Clover Rabbit

    Typical Brussels, isn’t it? A grand show of support for the ICC, while the real heavy lifting gets left to the judges in the firing line—cheers for the collaboration folks! 🍻

  6. Killer Merlot Avatar
    Killer Merlot

    Oh, fantastic! Just what we need—more meetings and “considerations” while the ICC judges are busy dodging American sanctions like they’re in a game of dodgeball. Bravo, EU, your decisive action is as clear as mud! 😏💼

  7. Hermopolis Avatar
    Hermopolis

    Oh, splendid, another round of ‘let’s protect the ICC’—because clearly, ‘vigilance’ has worked wonders in the past! 😂 What’s next, a heartfelt letter to Santa for extra support?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Retailleau, French Presidential Candidate, Claims Election Date Benefits the Left

Retailleau, French Presidential Candidate, Claims Election Date Benefits the Left

Retailleau stated to French broadcaster CNEWS that the decision is not neutral and deemed it abnormal from a democratic perspective. He suggested that May Day festivities, typically marked by union demonstrations, would benefit the left, especially if protests became violent. The 2025 demonstrations led to 15 arrests and 72 detentions during clashes with police.
Retailleau noted the tensions and p

Read More

Turkey Affirms US Commitment to NATO Amid Evolving Security Landscape

Turkey Affirms US Commitment to NATO Amid Evolving Security Landscape

Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment

Read More

CSG Advances Into the Next Phase of Global Growth: Strengthening

CSG Advances Into the Next Phase of Global Growth: Strengthening

Press ReleaseThis article is based on a press release or official communication from Wire News Service. The European Times republishes it as a public service.

Previously Czech and Slovak, CSG now attracts talent from top defence companies like Rheinmetall, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Kongsberg. Foreign acquisitions, rapid growth, and a stock market listing ha

Read More

Why Team Burnham is Already Furious

Why Team Burnham is Already Furious

The Burnham team has been strongly provoked by the defence investment plan upon discovering that £4.7bn of it remains unfunded.
This marks the first instance of intense frustration during the transition.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy reveal that the funding gap is even larger than initially believed.
Additionally, could a former Conservative mayor be considered for the role of chairing Great Britis

Read More

Countries Urgently Request UN Debate on Sudan’s al-Obeid Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Countries Urgently Request UN Debate on Sudan’s al-Obeid Amid Humanitarian Crisis

New York, June 30, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Sudan humanitarian crisis has become the focus of renewed diplomatic attention after several countries requested an urgent United Nations debate on the situation in Sudan’s al-Obeid. The request follows reports of intensified fighting in and around the city, raising concerns over civilian safety and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Diplomat

Read More

EU Steel Protection Enacted

EU Steel Protection Enacted

The European Union will implement a new steel import regime starting July 1st, aiming to protect the strategic steel industry from global overcapacity by cutting tariff-free access and doubling duties above quotas. This move provides stronger trade protection for steelmakers but raises concerns for manufacturers, importers, and European partners whose supply chains rely on stable EU market access

Read More

Solidarity and Solutions Across the Americas

Solidarity and Solutions Across the Americas

Sponsor-generated content is created or curated by advertisers and is featured on POLITICO, alongside POLITICO’s editorial content. This content is labeled as ‘sponsor-generated content’ wherever it appears on the website. POLITICO’s editorial team does not participate in the creation of this content.

More information

Read More

UK New Home Prices Scrutinized as Housebuilders Face Potential Lawsuit

UK New Home Prices Scrutinized as Housebuilders Face Potential Lawsuit

London, June 30, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — New home prices UK are back in focus after several major housebuilders were reported to be facing a potential collective lawsuit over alleged anti-competitive conduct. The proposed legal action follows concerns that competition within the new-build housing market may have been restricted, potentially affecting homebuyers across the country. The alleg

Read More

Barcelona Leads the Tour de France’s Opening Stage

Barcelona Leads the Tour de France’s Opening Stage

A team time trial on Montjuic kicks off the 2026 Tour de France, emphasizing that cycling’s premier race is also a public affair
The 2026 Tour de France starts in Barcelona on July 4 with a 19.6km team time trial, highlighting teamwork, urban design, and public accessibility before the peloton moves toward France. The Grand Depart is not just a sporting kickoff; it is a civic engagement wh

Read More

Erdoğan Rejects Israel’s Acknowledgment of Armenian Genocide, Cites Gaza Deaths

Erdoğan Rejects Israel’s Acknowledgment of Armenian Genocide, Cites Gaza Deaths

Erdoğan has consistently accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Recently, Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz criticized Israel’s vote recognizing the Armenian genocide as “an attempt to cover up their own crimes.” Israel has firmly denied these accusations of genocide.
The focus is on the Ottoman Empire’s campaign, which resulted in the deaths of over 1 million Armenians and

Read More