Germany, Netherlands pledge ICC support amid sanctions

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday, September 28, 2026, reaffirmed Berlin’s support for the International Criminal Court during a visit to The Hague. He said international rules are only as strong as the willingness to stand up for them, and that Germany will do its part to ensure the ICC remains capable of acting even under pressure. He described that backing as part of Germany’s historical responsibility, citing the Nazi-era judiciary subordinated to state power. He was scheduled to meet Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. The pledge comes as the United States has imposed sanctions on ICC personnel and President Donald Trump called at the UN General Assembly for member states to withdraw. Germany and the Netherlands are exploring ways to protect court operations, including possible use of the EU Blocking Statute; the Dutch government says dialogue with the United States should continue. Wadephul said the question of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Germany was not currently on the agenda. The ICC, founded in 2002, prosecutes genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. No factual disputes found in the record.