Jetten condemns planned US sanctions against ICC, urges dialogue

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has harshly criticized the United States' plan to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking at a joint press conference with Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, Jetten expressed deep regret over the decision made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Jetten strongly condemned the sanctions, stating that the Netherlands would defend the ICC "brick by brick."

The sanctions are expected to take effect in April and would prohibit any US-based organizations or companies from engaging with the court, including financial and technological services. Jetten emphasized that the next six months would be crucial in demonstrating progress on resolving the issues that led to the sanctions. He called for open dialogue with the US to prevent the sanctions from being implemented.

Meanwhile, the US has also targeted the ICC by banning transactions with Israeli officials Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. Jetten urged the Netherlands to prepare for a more challenging situation if the sanctions are enforced and hinted at the possibility of activating the European Union's blocking statute, which would order EU businesses not to comply with the sanctions.