EU leaders and lawmakers condemn Trump's sanctions against ICC

Several of the bloc's member states expressed their concern and pledged to safeguard the court and those who work there.

Transcript

00:00During a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, commissioners and members of

00:06parliament spoke out in defense of the International Criminal Court after US President Donald Trump

00:11signed an executive order imposing sanctions on it.

00:17They said Trump's decision impacts the court's efforts to ensure accountability around the

00:21world and they pledged to safeguard it and those working there.

00:27The ICC plays an essential role in delivering justice to the victims of some of the world's

00:34most horrific crimes.

00:37It is highly regrettable that the court continues to face threats, intimidation and pressure.

00:47Any threat against the court, its staff and those involved in the work in the ICC is unacceptable.

00:56I look to the council presidency here today and I would like really two clear yes or no

01:01answers.

01:02One, will you directly reprimand the member states who undermine international law?

01:08And two, will your presidency seek to strongly, unconditionally and unanimously support the

01:14ICC in the next foreign affairs council conclusions?

01:18In November of last year, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin

01:23Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant over war crimes and crimes against

01:29humanity committed during Israel's war in Gaza.

01:32Trump condemned the warrants and said the court had abused its power issuing them.