Prime Minister Dick Schoof says US sanctions against ICC are a "disturbing signal"

Prime Minister Dick Schoof has said that the sanctions that the United States government has announced against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague are a "disturbing signal." He added during his weekly press conference after the Council of Ministers meeting that "the Netherlands attaches great importance to the unhindered functioning of the ICC."

Schoof added that 70 countries will bring out a statement declaring their support for the ICC on Friday. Concrete measures in response to the sanctions have not been discussed, as of yet. “At this moment, it is expressing our support,” Schoof said. He does not believe that Trump is undermining the international rule of law with his sanctions. "I think those are big words."

The Prime Minister thinks that the ICC plays a “crucial role in combating impunity for serious international crimes.” That is why he thinks the step made by the US is “very regrettable.” He feels that it is the Netherlands duty as a host nation to protect the functionality of the ICC at all times.

A total of 79 countries signed the statement in support of the ICC. The criminal court is recognized by more than 120 countries.

Schoof has said that he does not know why some did not sign the statement, which read: “Such measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security. Moreover, sanctions could jeopardize the confidentiality of sensitive information and the safety of those involved—including victims, witnesses, and Court officials, many of whom are our nationals.”

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that makes punishing measures possible against ICC employees. Examples of this are financial sanctions and visa restrictions. He is angry about the arrest warrant that the ICC issued against the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with the war in Gaza.

Geert Wilders of the biggest political party in The Netherlands, the PVV, said on X on Friday that as far as he is concerned, the Criminal Court can move to another country. “Can't the International Criminal Court be moved to Belgium or something? Never understood what benefit we have from having that club located here.” Just like Trump, he is fully in support of Israel and Netanyahu.

Schoof’s only response these comments was that the ICC has all the support from the Cabinet. The opposition has criticized the Cabinet, saying that they should be more convincing in their condemnation of Trump’s actions.

“Trump does not care about the international rule of law, he only believes in the rights of the strongest. The investigation and prosecution of war criminals has to be able to continue. The Netherlands has a responsibility as the host nation to protect the ICC. The Cabinet now has to deliver,” said Kati Piri of GroenLinks-PvdA.

“Weak.” This is what the leader of D66, Rob Jetten, called the Cabinet’s response. This came after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Casper Veldkamp, had said that he was disappointed by Trump’s actions.

Sarah Dobbe of the SP said this response was not strong enough. “Lament is not enough. We need action from our government, especially as the host country of the International Criminal Court, to protect it!"

The Dutch government has been working feverishly behind the scenes to prevent the sanctions from stalling operations at the ICC, Nieuwsuur reported shortly after Schoof’s press conference. Representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs have been discussing the matter with banks, payment processors, and others to determine if they can still handle the ICC’s financial transactions, the ministries confirmed when asked by the news program.

One concern is that banks could cut off ICC services if they believe they would be in violation of U.S. sanctions, and thus face repercussions from the American government. That could potentially impede the ICC’s ability to carry out its normal operations, depending on how the sanctions are interpreted by the banks and their legal advisors.

Schoof also mentioned his disappointment with the in-fighting within the coalition. "All kinds of things are being said, within and outside the Cabinet," said Schoof who looked visibly annoyed. He criticized the "leaks or otherwise" and the "texts back and forth" between members of the coalition parties. "It does not help to obstruct the peace that we need together."