The European Union condemns the unjustified threat by a high-ranking representative of Russia to use force against the International Criminal Court and the country in which it is located, that is, the Netherlands, emphasizes the EU High Representative, Joseph Borel.

He also regrets, the statement said, the measures announced by Russia against the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and judges involved in issuing warrants for the arrest of Russian officials.

The EU reaffirms its full support for the International Criminal Court. It is noted that any retaliatory measures against persons involved in the work of the ICC are unacceptable. In addition, Josep Borrell emphasizes that in fighting impunity, the ICC must be able to operate independently and impartially.

The EU remains committed to protecting the Court from any external interference aimed at obstructing justice and undermining the international criminal justice system and will continue to support the universality of the Rome Statute and encourage all states that have not yet done so to consider joining the ICC to end with impunity for the most serious crimes.