The CCJE adopted, on 17 July 2025, a Statement sharing the concerns expressed by the Presidency Committee of the International Association of Judges (IAJ), one of the CCJE observers, which earlier adopted a Statement pointing out to the threat of sanctions in relation to judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The CCJE recalls, in its Statement, that it is concerned with the situation of judges in the framework of national legal systems of member states of the Council of Europe and reminds its relevant standards. It repeats, in particular, the need for caution in the recognition of any judicial liability, which arises from the fact that judicial independence and freedom must be protected from undue pressure.

Even though the imposition of sanctions against the ICC judges is a specific situation which goes beyond national jurisdictions, the CCJE goes on to conclude that the principles behind its standards should be given due consideration in other contexts, such as international courts, considering that their aim is to serve judicial independence and they may prove relevant mutatis mutandis.

Noting that sanctions were imposed on 5 June 2025 on four judges of the ICC, the CCJE shares the concerns rightfully expressed by the Presidency Committee of the IAJ about the potential detrimental effects that such sanctions may cause.

Link to the Statement