Tajani reaffirms Italy's support for ICC after US sanctions announcement

Italy will continue supporting the International Criminal Court and opposes the sanctions announced by the United States, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in an Il Messaggero interview published on October 10.

The interview was reproduced on the Italian foreign ministry's website. Tajani said he had signed a joint declaration with colleagues from G7 countries and other European states, including the Netherlands and Denmark.

He linked Italy's position to its membership of the Rome Statute. Adopted in July 1998, the treaty established the ICC. Tajani said Rome intended to defend an international system founded on rules and accountability.

Donald Trump's administration announced new sanctions against the court on Friday. The ICC rejected the decision and urged member states to ensure that it could continue operating.

A description of the regime as banning every transaction overlooks its conditions. OFAC has published general licences allowing specified dealings involving the ICC, including operations related to software, telecommunications and pension payments.

Tajani's comments therefore reaffirm diplomatic support for the court. He did not announce a new Italian funding programme or a specific mechanism for circumventing sanctions in the interview.