On 17 July 2026, the European Union issued a statement on International Criminal Justice Day, reaffirming its unwavering support for the international criminal justice system, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), ad hoc tribunals, and hybrid judicial bodies. The statement, released by the High Representative on behalf of the EU, pays tribute to those working to uphold justice and accountability, and remembers victims of the world's gravest crimes. The EU reiterates its commitment to the Rome Statute and calls on all states to cooperate fully with the ICC, emphasizing the need to protect the Court's independence and ability to carry out its mandate free from interference.
The statement underscores that accountability is indispensable for justice, prevention of future atrocities, and sustainable peace, especially amid ongoing violations of international law. The EU pledges continued political, diplomatic, financial, and practical support for the ICC and the Rome Statute system, including strengthening national justice systems under the principle of complementarity. The EU also stresses that victims' rights to truth, justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence are vital. The declaration concludes that there can be no lasting peace without justice, and no justice without accountability and meaningful reparations for victims.