European Network of Councils for the Judiciary supported the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

On 12 August 2026, the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary, ACA-Europe, the International Association of Judges, and the Network of Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union signed a joint statement. The statement condemns the most recent initiative by the US Government targeting judges, prosecutors and staff of the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

Among the measures under consideration, as announced by the US Secretary of State, are visa revocations, travel bans for ICC personnel, and increased sanctions against the ICC and affiliated organisations. „States should respect the independence of courts established under international treaties. The independence of the judiciary is not a privilege granted to judges, but a fundamental guarantee of the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Judges must be able to perform their functions free from external influence. In particular, measures designed to prevent the ability of a court to operate are incompatible with the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence“, the statement states. 

„The Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic is an active member of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary. We have consistently highlighted the need to respect judicial independence, which is of fundamental importance for judges of both national and international courts. Any interference with the independence of the judiciary is an interference with the rights of citizens,“ emphasised the President of the Judicial Council, Marcela Kosová.