Strasbourg (AFP) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) received the European Union’s prestigious Sakharov Prize on Thursday, a move that underscores EU support for the tribunal at a time when the court faces severe pressure from the United States. The award comes as the U.S. has announced sanctions aimed at crippling the ICC’s operations and as President Donald Trump’s administration has pledged to dismantle the court “brick by brick” following an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the prize recognizes “the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice.” ICC President Tomoko Akane described the award as especially significant given “the unprecedented challenges” the court faces.
The EU has expressed readiness to protect the court from the upcoming sanctions, which are set to take effect in six months. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “the International Criminal Court must be free to pursue its mission, independently, and without pressure or intimidation.” Brussels is attempting diplomatic outreach to persuade the U.S. to reverse course and is also considering a “blocking statute” to shield the ICC.
The ICC was one of three finalists for this year’s Sakharov Prize, alongside Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and the Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, both imprisoned for their activism. The prize, established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, will be presented at a ceremony in December.
Recent high‑profile recipients include Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, and the people of Ukraine.
