“Beyond Rhetoric: The EU’s Role in Upholding International Justice”

On 6 March 2025, the European Parliament will host a crucial discussion as part of the Third EUmans Congress. Co-organised by EUmans and No Peace Without Justice, this session entitled “Beyond Rhetoric: The EU’s Role in Upholding International Justice” will focus on the rising threats to international justice, with a particular emphasis on the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC is facing significant challenges from multiple fronts. These include sanctions and targeted hybrid campaigns from States who are not parties to the Rome Statute, as well as troubling actions by ICC States Parties, ranging from selective cooperation to  outright violations of the duty to cooperate, including recently a State Party facilitating the escape of an ICC fugitive. These attacks are seriously undermining the Court’s effectiveness and the EU and its Member States have failed to take concrete action in support of the Court or even to uphold their legal obligations.

During the event, Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giner, ICC Registrar, will brief Members of Parliament about the impact on the Court of the multiple attacks against its operations and independence. Members of the European Parliament from diverse political groups and representatives from civil society will discuss how the EU and its Member States can effectively address these challenges and reaffirm and comply with their legal obligations to defend and support international justice.

The session is intended to explore the EU’s critical role in safeguarding the ICC, ensuring compliance with its rulings, and reinforcing the international rule of law. Among the key discussion points, panelists will address:

● The growing array of threats to the ICC, including sanctions, selective support for investigations, and non-compliance with the Court’s rulings.

● The EU’s legal responsibility to ensure Member States uphold ICC decisions, including a discussion of the potential legal consequences for non-compliance.

● The role of the EU’s Blocking Statute, a critical tool designed to counter non-EU sanctions.

The session will also call for a unified EU approach to defending the ICC and the Rome Statute, ensuring that political compromises, selective enforcement, and non-compliance do not undermine the EU’s commitment to international justice.Aligned with EUmans’ principles, the event will also encourage public engagement and advocacy, urging EU citizens to hold the EU and its Member States accountable for upholding foundational values and legal responsibilities in defending global justice.

EUmans is a pan-European movement focusing on promoting fundamental rights, sustainability, and democratic innovation through civic participation and transnational initiatives. Their Third Congress represents a crucial moment to collectively decide on future challenges and invest in the expansion of European democracy, driven by a citizen-led movement.

• Draft program and concept note of the session
• Register here: https://www.eumans.eu/3rd-congress/#formcongress

For further information or media enquiries, please contact: Nicola Giovannini (ngiovannini@npwj.org) – Lorenzo Mineo (lorenzo.mineo@eumans.org)