The European Parliament has selected the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, placing the international tribunal at the centre of a growing dispute over judicial independence and US foreign policy.

TVC News reported that the award comes as President Donald Trump’s administration prepares sanctions against the court over its legal actions involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose arrest warrant over alleged crimes in Gaza has drawn strong opposition from Washington.

The American measures, announced this month, are expected to take effect in six months and could disrupt the court’s daily operations. In response, European officials have signalled their determination to prevent the sanctions from undermining the ICC’s work, with Brussels considering a blocking statute to protect the institution from their effects.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the court must be able to carry out its responsibilities independently, without external pressure or intimidation. Parliament President Roberta Metsola also defended the importance of international institutions in upholding justice and international law.

ICC President Tomoko Akane welcomed the recognition, saying the prize held particular importance at a time when the court and its officials were facing exceptional challenges.

Established in 1988, the Sakharov Prize recognises efforts to advance human rights and democracy. The ICC was selected ahead of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, whose cases have drawn attention to political repression and human rights concerns. The presentation ceremony is expected to take place in December.