The International Criminal Court (ICC) was awarded the European Union’s prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights and democracy on Thursday, marking a notable endorsement amid escalating tensions with the United States.
The ceremony, announced by European Parliament chief Roberta Metsola, highlighted the EU’s commitment to multilateralism and the upholding of international law. “The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice,” Metsola said.
The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, notably faces unprecedented challenges, including sanctions imposed by the U.S. government earlier this month. The Trump administration’s sanctions aim to restrict the ICC’s operations in response to the court’s issuance of an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes in Gaza. Washington has expressed strong opposition to the ICC’s actions, with the White House pledging to dismantle the court “brick by brick.”
In accepting the award, ICC president Tomoko Akane underscored the symbolic significance of the prize during a difficult period. “Against this backdrop, the Sakharov Prize carries particular significance, reaffirming the importance of independent judicial institutions and of those who work to uphold international law,” Akane said.
The EU has firmly condemned the U.S. sanctions, which are scheduled to come into effect in six months, affirming its readiness to take “any necessary measures” to ensure the ICC’s continued functioning. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for the court to operate free from external pressure or intimidation, stating, “The International Criminal Court must be free to pursue its mission, independently, and without pressure or intimidation.”
The Sakharov Prize was established in 1988 and is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov. It honors individuals or organizations dedicated to the defense of human rights and democratic values. Alongside the ICC, this year’s finalists included Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, known for their prosecution by the Iranian government.
The winner is selected by senior lawmakers from nominations put forward by political groups within the European Parliament. An official award ceremony is scheduled to take place in December.
The ICC’s recognition by the EU follows another recent accolade linked to the court, with former ICC judge and United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay receiving the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month—a decision that President Trump publicly criticized, arguing the prize should have been awarded to himself.