Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen: EU blocking statute may be used to shield ICC from Trump sanctions

Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen in New York / photo: BZ

The Dutch government is preparing for the possibility of a new escalation in Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court, but Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen insists the European Union’s powerful 'blocking statute' remains a weapon of last resort. As pressure on the Hague-based court grows and President Donald Trump intensifies his attacks, a difficult question is emerging in Dutch diplomacy: how far is the Netherlands willing to go to defend international justice if doing so risks a direct confrontation with its most important ally?

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The Netherlands and Australia launch strategic partnership on security, trade and Ukraine

Behind the scenes: diplomats frustrated with last-minute EU deal on Russian sanctions

Has The Hague lost patience with Belgrade? How Ratko Mladić's funeral became a problem for Serbia's EU ambitions

The Hague relieved as US, Denmark and Greenland reach historic Arctic security deal