The European Union has awarded the International Criminal Court (ICC) its top human rights prize, amid US sanctions targeting the court. The ICC, which prosecutes war crimes and genocide, faces challenges from the Trump administration, which has vowed to dismantle it.
The EU's Sakharov Prize recognizes the ICC's work in upholding international law, with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighting the court's role in justice. The ICC thanked the EU for the honor, noting the challenges it faces from US sanctions aimed at disrupting its operations.
The EU has pledged to protect the ICC from US sanctions, with plans to use the delay before they take effect to negotiate with Washington. The ICC's work is seen as critical to international justice, despite US efforts to undermine it.
The ICC, which has issued warrants for Israeli officials, faces US sanctions targeting its officials and operations, with the EU standing firm in its support for the court's independence and mission.