EU leaders have asked the European Commission to help protect companies providing services to the International Criminal Court from the effects of US sanctions.
The request appears in the European Council’s final summit conclusions, published on the evening of October 16. Leaders stressed the need to keep financial and other services available to international courts and their officials.
They urged Washington to reverse its announced sanctions against the ICC as an institution. At the same time, they noted the US decision to delay their full effect and its willingness to discuss concerns with states party to the Rome Statute.
The conclusions treat that interval as an opportunity for diplomacy. They ask the Commission for initiatives protecting the court and mitigating the sanctions, particularly for EU service providers.
This is a political instruction to pursue protective measures, not a new regulation granting companies an exemption or overriding US restrictions. The text does not specify a legal instrument or implementation deadline.
