On 6 March 2025, the European Parliament hosted a crucial discussion as part of the Third EUmans Congress. Co-organised by EUmans, No Peace Without Justice and Parliamentarians for Global Action, this session entitled “Beyond Rhetoric: The EU’s Role in Upholding International Justice” focused 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 Giler, ICC Registrar, briefed Members of Parliament and civil society representatives 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 discussed 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 was 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 addressed:
● 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 also called 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 also encouraged 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 represented a crucial moment to collectively decide on future challenges and invest in the expansion of European democracy, driven by a citizen-led movement.
Agenda of the session
11:40 – 12:30 “Beyond Rhetoric: The EU’s Role in Upholding International Justice”
– Chair: Niccolò FIGÀ-TALAMANCA – Secretary General, No Peace Without Justice
– Keynote speaker: Osvaldo ZAVALA GILER – Registrar of the International Criminal Court
– Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR – MEP, S&D
– Hanna GEDIN – MEP, The Left
– Alice AUTIN – Communications and International Justice Officer at Human Rights Watch
– Frederika SCHWEIGHOFEROVA – Director of International Law and Human Rights Program at Parliamentarians for Global Action
- Video recording of the session
- See specific report of the session on PGA website
- Program and concept note of the session
For further information or media enquiries, please contact: Nicola Giovannini (ngiovannini@npwj.org) – Lorenzo Mineo (lorenzo.mineo@eumans.org)
