Spain Asks European Union to Protect International Criminal Court from US Sanctions

May 6, 2026, 19:00
EuropePolitics

Introduction

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has officially asked the European Commission to use legal tools to stop United States sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Main Body

The diplomatic conflict began after President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February 2025, which placed economic sanctions on the ICC. The US government claimed that the court's investigations into Israeli officials regarding alleged war crimes in Gaza were not legitimate. As a result, eleven ICC officials, including eight judges and the chief prosecutor, now face travel bans and financial restrictions. In response, Prime Minister Sánchez has urged the EU to activate the 'Blocking Statute' and the 'Anti-Coercion Instrument.' These tools are designed to protect European companies and individuals from sanctions imposed by non-EU countries, as the EU has done previously with Cuba and Iran. The Spanish government emphasized that punishing judicial officials weakens the global human rights system and threatens the independence of the United Nations. This request comes at a time when relations between Europe and the US are worsening. For example, Spain previously blocked US military access to shared bases during operations against Iran, which led the Trump administration to threaten trade suspensions. Furthermore, the EU is currently dealing with possible US tariffs on cars and a potential reduction of US troops in Europe. At the same time, Spain is managing internal issues, such as a dispute over a cruise ship affected by hantavirus that was refused entry to the Canary Islands.

Conclusion

The European Union is now considering whether to use the Blocking Statute and how to manage trade agreements as tensions with the United States continue to grow.

Learning

🚀 THE B2 LEAP: FROM 'SIMPLE WORDS' TO 'POWER VERBS'

An A2 student says: "Spain asked the EU to help." A B2 student says: "Spain urged the EU to activate legal tools."

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using 'general' verbs (like ask, do, make, go) and start using Precise Action Verbs. These are words that describe exactly how an action is happening.

⚡ The Precision Shift

Look at these transformations from the text:

A2 Level (Simple)B2 Level (Precise)Why it's better
Ask (strongly)→\rightarrow UrgeIt shows urgency and pressure.
Start (a process)→\rightarrow ActivateIt sounds professional and technical.
Make weak→\rightarrow WeakenIt turns a phrase into a strong single verb.
Stop (entry/access)→\rightarrow BlockIt implies a physical or legal barrier.

🛠️ How to apply this to your speaking

Instead of saying "The boss told me to finish the report," try:

"The boss urged me to complete the report."

Instead of saying "We need to start the new plan," try:

"We need to activate the new strategy."

Pro Tip: B2 fluency isn't about using 'big' words for the sake of it; it's about choosing the word that fits the context perfectly. When you see a verb in a news article that feels 'stronger' than the one you know, steal it!

Vocabulary Learning

officially (adv.)
In a formal or official manner.
Example:She officially announced the new policy at the press conference.
diplomatic (adj.)
Relating to diplomacy or negotiations between countries.
Example:He gave a diplomatic response to the criticism, avoiding any conflict.
executive (adj.)
Relating to the execution of laws or government decisions.
Example:The executive branch is responsible for enforcing the law.
sanctions (n.)
Penalties or restrictions imposed by a government or international body.
Example:The country faced sanctions for violating human rights.
investigations (n.)
The process of examining facts or evidence.
Example:The investigations revealed widespread corruption.
alleged (adj.)
Claimed but not proven.
Example:The alleged theft was investigated by the police.
war crimes (n.)
Illicit acts committed during war that violate international law.
Example:War crimes are punishable under international law.
travel bans (n.)
Restrictions that prevent people from traveling to certain places.
Example:The travel bans were lifted after negotiations.
financial restrictions (n.)
Limits on financial transactions or funding.
Example:Financial restrictions were imposed on the organization.
activate (v.)
To make active or operational.
Example:The team will activate the emergency plan.
protect (v.)
To keep safe from harm or danger.
Example:The law protects whistleblowers from retaliation.
non-EU (adj.)
Not belonging to the European Union.
Example:Non-EU countries may face different rules.
punishing (v.)
Inflicting punishment or penalty.
Example:Punishing officials can have unintended consequences.
global (adj.)
Relating to the whole world.
Example:Global warming is a major issue for future generations.
human rights system (n.)
The structure of laws and institutions that protect human rights.
Example:The human rights system was criticized for its delays.
threatens (v.)
To pose a danger or risk.
Example:The new policy threatens small businesses.
independence (n.)
The state of being free from influence or control.
Example:The country's independence was celebrated on its national day.
worsening (adj.)
Becoming worse or deteriorating.
Example:The situation is worsening as tensions rise.
blocked (v.)
Prevented from passing or accessing.
Example:The road was blocked by debris after the storm.
military access (n.)
Permission granted for military use of a facility.
Example:The country denied military access to the new base.