University of Nottingham academic, Dr Catherine Gegout has called on European governments to complement the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought with financial support, legal protections and stronger cooperation to safeguard international justice.
Speaking with The Vaultz News, Dr Gegout, an Associate Professor in International Relations at the University of Nottingham, outlined three measures she believes the European Union and its member states should pursue to protect the Court’s operations and sustain its mandate amid pressure from the United States.
The first is continued financial support from states that are parties to the ICC. “First, the State Parties to the ICC will have to support it financially,” she said, adding that more than half of the Court’s funding comes from EU member states.
She argued that maintaining these contributions would be essential to ensuring the ICC can continue its work despite external pressure and financial uncertainty.
The Court relies on member-state contributions to finance its investigations, prosecutions and other judicial activities. Dr. Gegout’s recommendation therefore places financial commitment at the centre of efforts to preserve the institution’s ability to pursue accountability for serious international crimes.
Her second recommendation is for the EU to activate its Blocking Statute to protect European businesses and operators from the effects of US extraterritorial sanctions targeting the ICC.
The instrument is designed to counter the effects within the EU of certain foreign laws applied beyond their originating jurisdictions. It can also allow European operators to seek compensation for damages arising from the application of covered foreign laws.
Dr. Gegout’s proposal reflects concerns that sanctions imposed by a powerful state could extend their impact beyond the individuals directly targeted, potentially affecting organisations and businesses that provide them with essential services.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have also urged the EU to take stronger measures to shield the ICC from US sanctions.
However, the Blocking Statute’s application depends on the relevant legal framework and decisions by EU institutions. Its use would therefore require European authorities to determine how the instrument could be applied to the circumstances surrounding the sanctions against the Court.
European Governments’ Obligations To Cooperate With ICC
Dr. Gegout’s third recommendation concerns European governments’ obligations to cooperate with the ICC, particularly in implementing arrest warrants issued by the Court.
She called on EU leaders to make clear whether they would enforce the warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered their territory. “EU state leaders should officially state that they would arrest Netanyahu, who is wanted by the ICC, if he came onto their territory,” she said.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged crimes within its jurisdiction. The warrant is a judicial measure and does not constitute a criminal conviction.
The Court has faced criticism from Washington over its investigations and legal actions involving the United States and its allies, including Israel. The sanctions have raised concerns about the ICC’s ability to maintain its operations and pursue its mandate.
Dr. Gegout pointed to differing positions among Germany, France and the United Kingdom regarding a potential visit by Netanyahu and the legal implications of such a visit.
The issue highlights the challenges European governments face in balancing diplomatic relations with their obligations under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
For Dr. Gegout, clarity from European leaders would demonstrate the extent to which their political support for international justice translates into practical cooperation with the Court.
Recommendations Place Responsibility On European Governments
The award of the 2026 Sakharov Prize to the ICC and its officials represents a significant expression of European support for the institution at a time when US sanctions and political opposition have raised concerns about its effectiveness.
However, the award alone cannot resolve the financial, legal and operational challenges confronting the Court.
Dr. Gegout’s recommendations place responsibility on European governments to move beyond symbolic recognition by sustaining financial contributions, considering legal protections against extraterritorial sanctions and clarifying their commitment to enforcing ICC arrest warrants.
These measures, she argues, would help strengthen the Court’s ability to carry out its mandate despite opposition from powerful states.
The broader challenge for the EU is to ensure that its support for international justice is reflected not only in parliamentary recognition but also in the policies and practical measures needed to sustain the institutions responsible for upholding it.
The Sakharov Prize ceremony is scheduled to take place in Strasbourg in December 2026.
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