Sánchez pushes EU Blocking Statute to counter US sanctions on ICC (middleeasteye.net)

• Spanish PM Sánchez urges EU to activate Blocking Statute against US sanctions on ICC
• Blocking Statute prohibits compliance with extraterritorial US sanctions and allows damage recovery
• Proposal sparks debate on European strategic autonomy and transatlantic relations

"Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez called on the EU to activate the Blocking Statute, a regulation designed to protect European entities from extraterritorial US sanctions, specifically targeting the International Criminal Court. This move highlights growing tensions between the US and Europe over international law enforcement. The proposal has sparked debate on European strategic autonomy, as the EU seeks to assert its legal independence. The Blocking Statute would prohibit EU persons from complying with US sanctions and allow recovery of damages. This is part of a broader push for a more sovereign European foreign policy."