Olympia Bekou

The European Union and the International Criminal Court: An Awkward Symbiosis in Interesting Times

The aim of this article is to provide an overview and to evaluate the EU-ICC partnership. The analysis includes the measures the EU has taken to commit to the ICC cause and implement the Rome Statute and their impact on EU policy-making. These include the EU-ICC Cooperation Agreement as well as EU Third Pillar measures affecting Member State cooperation with the ICC and governing the investigation and prosecution of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC. The issue of judicial protection and respect of fundamental rights in the EU under the Third Pillar will also be addressed. Finally, the analysis of EU initiatives, primarily in its relations with third countries, to preserve the universality and integrity of the Rome Statute will follow.

Mainstreaming support for the ICC in the EU's policies

The European Union and its Member States have been the staunchest supporters of the ICC system of international criminal justice in the last two decades. That system is now at a critical juncture. With a view to the future, it is necessary to examine how the ICC can overcome the current challenges and build upon its successes to date. And more specifically, how the EU and its Member States can, and should, help the ICC in this respect. By critically assessing the EU’s performance to date in mainstreaming support for the ICC throughout its policies and activities, this study addresses these questions