# Europe Defies Trump Over ICC Sanctions

> Europe stands firm with ICC as U.S. imposes sanctions.
- Title: Europe Defies Trump Over ICC Sanctions · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: Europe stands firm with ICC as U.S. imposes sanctions. European Union supports International Criminal Court despite U.S. sanctions targeting its resources.
- Keywords: icc, us sanctions, noble peace prize, navanethem navi pillay, marco rubio, johann wadephul, rob jetten, antonio costa, kaja kallas, blocking statute, osvaldo zavala giler, Europe
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/29/how-europe-is-defying-trump-by-rallying-around-the-icc
- Author: Callum Sutherland
- Published: 2026-10-29T15:03:32+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: eu, icc, us sanctions, noble peace prize, navanethem navi pillay, marco rubio, johann wadephul, rob jetten, antonio costa, kaja kallas, blocking statute, osvaldo zavala giler
## EU Awards ICC Sakharov Prize
The European Union last week awarded the International Criminal Court the Sakharov human rights prize for upholding international law and justice.

> the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice
## Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize
Former ICC judge Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay received the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, an honor long coveted by President Donald Trump.

> the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice
## U.S. Sanctions Target ICC
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions to cut off the ICC's resources by severing U.S. transactions with the court.
## Experts Warn of Disruption
Experts warn the sanctions could have extremely disruptive implications for the court, especially regarding financial support for case work and travel for judges.
## EU Criticizes U.S. Sanctions
The European Union criticized the U.S. sanctions as 'misguided' and against European interests, urging dialogue to find solutions.
## MEPs Demand Blocking Statute
European lawmakers called for immediate activation of the EU blocking statute to shield the ICC from U.S. sanctions.
## Kallas Supports Blocking Statute
EU policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed openness to the blocking statute but urged caution in its implementation.
## ICC Faces Banking Difficulties
ICC prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan reported banking difficulties for some staff despite the grace period before sanctions take effect.
## Sergey Vasiliev on Blocking Statute
Professor Sergey Vasiliev called activating the blocking statute a very important gesture but warned it could anger the Trump Administration.
## ICC Suggests Comfort Letters
ICC registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler proposed sending comfort letters to reassure firms about U.S. sanctions compliance.
## U.S.-EU Tensions Escalate
U.S.-Europe relations have strained since Trump returned to office in January 2025, with threats of tariffs and diplomatic friction.
## Potential Escalation of Tensions
Experts warn the ICC dispute could accelerate destabilizations similar to trade wars if U.S. and EU remain at odds.
## Key takeaway

European Union supports International Criminal Court despite U.S. sanctions targeting its resources.