Prime Minister Sánchez Calls for EU "Blocking Veto" to Protect ICC

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has officially urged the European Commission to activate its "blocking veto" mechanism to safeguard the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a high-profile statement released this morning, Sánchez argued that the EU must protect judges and prosecutors investigating alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip from external political pressure and sanctions. The "blocking veto" is a powerful legal tool that allows the European Union to nullify the domestic impact of foreign laws and sanctions—specifically those imposed by Washington since early 2025—which Sánchez claims jeopardize the entire international human rights system. This diplomatic move by Madrid marks a significant escalation in Spain's role as a vocal defender of international justice within the European bloc. While the Spanish government has faced domestic pressure due to ongoing corruption trials involving former ministers, Sánchez is shifting the focus toward global accountability and the protection of United Nations efforts. By calling on the Commission to act today, Spain is positioning itself as a leader in European foreign policy, demanding that the EU "not stand idly by" while international legal institutions are targeted by geopolitical sanctions.