The European Union has awarded its top human rights honour to the International Criminal Court (ICC), signalling support for the embattled institution as it faces sanctions from United States President Donald Trump’s administration.
The European Parliament announced on Thursday that the court would receive the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in recognition of its role in promoting international law and justice.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the award reflected the EU’s commitment to multilateralism and international institutions.
“The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice,” she said.
The ICC welcomed the recognition, saying it came at a time when the court and its officials were confronting unprecedented challenges.
Its president, Tomoko Akane, said the award reaffirmed the importance of independent judicial institutions and those working to uphold international law.
The recognition comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and the ICC. Earlier this month, the United States announced sanctions intended to cripple the court’s daily operations, following the Trump administration’s opposition to its proceedings involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes in Gaza.
The administration has vowed to dismantle the court, which prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
The EU has strongly opposed the sanctions, which are scheduled to take effect in six months, and pledged to take measures to ensure the court can continue its work.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the ICC must be allowed to carry out its mandate independently and without intimidation.
Brussels is seeking to use the period before the sanctions take effect to persuade Washington to reconsider its position. It is also considering a possible blocking statute to shield the court from the effects of US measures.
The award adds to a series of European gestures of support for international accountability mechanisms at a time of heightened tensions over the enforcement of international law.
The development follows the award of the Nobel Peace Prize this month to former ICC judge Navi Pillay, who also served as the United Nations human rights chief. Trump criticised the decision, arguing that the prize should have gone to him.
Established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the European Parliament’s annual award recognises individuals and organisations working to advance human rights and democracy.
The ICC was selected from three finalists. The other nominees were Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who represent people prosecuted by Iranian authorities.
Lissu, leader of Tanzania’s opposition Chadema party, was detained in April 2025 and faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted of treason over allegations that he encouraged the public to boycott elections.
The Rahimi sisters, both 21, have reportedly been sentenced to death and 36 years in prison, respectively, for participating in anti-government protests in Iran.
The Sakharov Prize ceremony is scheduled for December. Previous recipients include Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny and the people of Ukraine.
The award to the ICC is expected to reinforce the EU’s position that international courts should be able to operate independently, despite political pressure from powerful governments.
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