European Council President Antonio Costa has expressed regret over the United States’ decision to impose institutional sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), pledging continued EU support for the court.

Axar.az reports that Costa made the remarks in a post on his X account.

“International justice must be defended. There cannot be lasting peace without accountability,” Costa said.

He said the EU would carefully assess the situation and take appropriate steps to protect the ICC.

Costa also described the US decision to delay the entry into force of its latest measures as an opportunity for dialogue.

“The EU will continue to support the ICC and the Rome Statute system through political, diplomatic, financial and practical means,” he added.