“17 July is a day to commemorate our commitment to international criminal justice.  This is an occasion to reflect on how impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community undermines the very fabric of societies. Impunity destabilises countries and entire regions, causes unspeakable suffering to millions of people, especially the most vulnerable ones, threatens international peace and security, hampers reconciliation and reverses hard-won progress in post-conflict situations. International justice mechanisms are essential to ensure that the most serious crimes are investigated and prosecuted, perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive justice, adequate assistance and reparations for the harm suffered.

The situation affecting several countries all around the world, and now Ukraine as a consequence of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression, demonstrate how our aspirations for peace and justice can be shattered at any time and how defending a rules-based international order and ensuring accountability is more crucial than ever. 

The European Union and its member states are committed to strengthening the international criminal justice system and reaffirm their full support to the International Criminal Court, a court of last resort complementary to national jurisdictions.

We are resolved to defend the integrity of the Rome Statute and the universality and independence of the Court. The EU calls on all States to adhere to their commitments to uphold the rule of law and international law, whether at the ICC or in their national courts.”

For more information

Full statement