KALLAS URGES CAUTION AS MEPs PRESS FOR SWIFT ACTION

STRASBOURG, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA/ – Members of the European Parliament are demanding a swift response from the European Commission to US sanctions against the International Criminal Court /ICC/, but Brussels wants more time to consider its response to Washington.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas told a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg that Brussels would use the coming months to open a dialogue on how to counter US sanctions against the ICC.

Politico reported that nearly 60 MEPs from across the political spectrum had called for an urgent response from Brussels after the White House announced sanctions against the ICC last month.

The lawmakers want the European Commission to activate a legislative shield known as the "blocking statute", which would prevent EU companies from complying with US sanctions.

Kallas said all options should remain on the table.

"If we use the blocking statute, we have only one chance, and we must get it right," Kallas said.