The European Commission has reiterated that all states should fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), including by executing outstanding arrest warrants, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aircraft once again crossed the airspace of several ICC member states en route to the United States.
Speaking at the European Commission’s midday press briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Anouar El Anouni declined to comment on Netanyahu’s specific case, saying that “any specific question on the ICC … should be addressed directly to the ICC.”
He nevertheless underscored the EU’s position on the podium.
“We, as EU, we do support the ICC and the principles set out in the Rome Statute. We as EU respect the court’s independence and impartiality, and we, as EU, we are strongly committed to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity,” El Anouni said.
He also recalled the European Council’s 2023 conclusions on the ICC, stressing: “The Council calls upon all states to ensure full cooperation with the court, including by the prompt execution of outstanding arrest warrants.”
Obligations under Rome Statute
His remarks came after Netanyahu’s aircraft flew through the airspace of Greece, Italy, and France, all states parties to the Rome Statute, while travelling to Washington, DC, on Monday, according to Flightradar data.
