Behind-the-scenes panic among European officials has followed Hungary's announcement that it would withdraw from the International Criminal Court, amid growing fears the US government is determined to engineer its demise.
There have been closed-door consultations between European countries about how to respond to the increasing pressure on the ICC, The National understands.
Of particular concern are further US sanctions that are scheduled to be issued next week on The Hague-based intergovernmental organisation and international tribunal. EU member states – including Germany, France and Italy – are among the ICC's top financial backers.
A new round of sanctions would also further weaken the ICC, which was built on the idea that states can co-operate to bring justice to the victims of crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and waging a war of aggression.
Close co-ordination
In its campaign against the ICC, the US has been co-ordinating closely with Hungary and Israel. A statement issued by the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, after he arrived in Budapest at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said the two leaders had spoken on the phone with US President Donald Trump.
“At the centre of their conversation was Hungary's decision to withdraw from the ICC,” Mr Netanyahu's office said, without elaborating. The US and Israel are not members of the ICC and have historically opposed it.
Mr Orban's invitation to Mr Netanyahu, extended immediately after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader for alleged war crimes in Gaza, had been intended as a snub to the ICC. Thanking Mr Orban during a joint press conference on Thursday in Budapest, Mr Netanyahu said: “You are the first, I dare say, I don't think the last, that walks out of this corruption and this rottenness. I think it'll be deeply appreciated not only in Israel but also in many, many countries around the world. ”
In the past, only the Philippines and Burundi have withdrawn, as Hungary intends. There are no consequences to this decision, aside from moral condemnation from members.
There are fears that the ICC may not withstand the pressure and simply stop functioning if the US issues a new round of sanctions against it.
On February 6, when Mr Trump placed sanctions on ICC president Karim Khan for “baseless actions targeting” the US and its “close ally Israel”, the executive order said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in consultation with State Secretary Marco Rubio, would submit “within 60 days” to Mr Trump “a report on additional persons” to face sanctions.
Mr Trump had under his previous mandate in 2020 issued sanctions against two ICC judges for investigating alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan, but they were lifted the following year by his successor Joe Biden. Should Mr Trump issue additional sanctions against further ICC judges – or even the institution itself – companies and states from all over the world may hesitate to engage with it. US sanctions have the particularity of being extraterritorial.
'Blocking statute'
There is little the EU can do about this, though human rights activists have pointed at the EU Commission's option of implementing a so-called “blocking statute” to protect European companies from US sanctions.
It was used in 2018 to protect European companies operating in Iran, after Mr Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This agreement between Iran and world powers had placed limits on Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.
“At a political level, [the blocking statute] also reflects the EU’s disapproval of sanctions with extraterritorial reach imposed by other countries that the EU considers to be abusive or unreasonable,” Amnesty International wrote in 2020, following Mr Trump's first sanctions against the ICC.
In a speech to the EU Parliament, EU's foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said she had met Mr Khan last month to reiterate the bloc's support to the court. “We are all aware of the growing urgency of supporting the court, both financially and diplomatically, and we are exploring available tools and possible measures that could be put in place to protect the court and its personnel, and mitigate the risks,” Ms Kallas said on Tuesday.
Yet the EU Commission – the bloc's executive arm – needs political support from EU countries to put forward decisions such as a blocking statute. It remains unclear how strong this support would be. EU countries that support the ICC, such as Italy, have historically struggled between the political realities of arresting a wanted person and following the court's decision.
This was evident in Italy's refusal to arrest Libyan police chief Osama Najim in January. In an echo of her Hungarian and Israeli counterparts, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused the ICC of political bias. Italy has strong historic links to Libya, which is an important partner in fighting illegal migration.
There is little evidence to back such accusations, the court's defenders say. A panel of experts in international law were consulted before Mr Khan in May issued arrest warrants against Mr Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant and three senior Hamas officials. The panel included high-profile human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.
A number of other countries have had to tread a fine line between continued support for the ICC and disagreeing with its legal interpretation of the Rome Statute, which founded the ICC.
France has argued that Mr Netanyahu is protected by his immunity because Israel is not an ICC member – and thus would not arrest him. Discussing Hungary's refusal to arrest Mr Netanyahu, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Friday said: “To be perfectly honest, I do not think we would do it either.”
'Unique moment'
Though rejected by the ICC, France's position is shared by a number of legal experts, including Mathias Holvoet, a lecturer in international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam. “It's very contentious to say that a state that has not ratified the Rome Statute cannot rely on immunities,” Mr Holvoet told The National.
Technically, it is possible to adhere to this legal interpretation while also supporting the ICC. Germany's incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he would find ways to invite Mr Netanyahu, while Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk had floated the idea of inviting him for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in January.
Yet should a judge in Europe try to arrest the Israeli leader, the backlash from the US would likely be huge, Mr Holvoet said. Adopted in 2002, the American Service-Members' Protection Act – known informally as The Hague Invasion Act – gives the US the possibility of responding by military means should the ICC acts against the US or its allies.
“The political pressure would be enormous,” Mr Holvoet said. The arrest warrant against Mr Netanyahu is a “unique moment”, he said: “It's the first time that an ally of the US has been indicted by the ICC.”
EU support for the ICC is likely to remain strong. This should ensure the institution's survival, Mr Holvoet added.
“Despite Hungary's withdrawal, the majority of the EU is still behind the court,” he said.
Honeymoonish
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
Kill%20
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Wayne Rooney's career
Everton (2002-2004)
- Appearances: 48
- Goals: 17
Manchester United (2004-2017)
- Appearances: 496
- Goals: 253
England (2003-)
- Appearances: 119
- Goals: 53
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The%20specs
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THE SPECS
Engine: 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh1,050,000
On sale: now
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX RESULT
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 1:39:46.713
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 00:00.908
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-GP 00:12.462
4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-GP 00:12.885
5. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing 00:13.276
6. Fernando Alonso, McLaren 01:11.223
7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 1 lap
8. Sergio Perez, Force India 1 lap
9. Esteban Ocon, Force India 1 lap
10. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren 1 lap
11. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso 1 lap
12. Jolyon Palmer, Renault 1 lap
13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas 1 lap
14. Lance Stroll, Williams 1 lap
15. Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber 2 laps
16. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber 2 laps
17r. Nico Huelkenberg, Renault 3 laps
r. Paul Di Resta, Williams 10 laps
r. Romain Grosjean, Haas 50 laps
r. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing 70 laps
FIGHT CARD
Sara El Bakkali v Anisha Kadka (Lightweight, female)
Mohammed Adil Al Debi v Moaz Abdelgawad (Bantamweight)
Amir Boureslan v Mahmoud Zanouny (Welterweight)
Abrorbek Madaminbekov v Mohammed Al Katheeri (Featherweight)
Ibrahem Bilal v Emad Arafa (Super featherweight)
Ahmed Abdolaziz v Imad Essassi (Middleweight)
Milena Martinou v Ilham Bourakkadi (Bantamweight, female)
Noureddine El Agouti v Mohamed Mardi (Welterweight)
Nabil Ouach v Ymad Atrous (Middleweight)
Nouredin Samir v Zainalabid Dadachev (Lightweight)
Marlon Ribeiro v Mehdi Oubahammou (Welterweight)
Brad Stanton v Mohamed El Boukhari (Super welterweight
Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):
1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop
2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £25m: Flop
3). Erik Lamela - Roma - £25m: Jury still out
4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic - £21m: Flop
6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar - £18m: Flop
7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers - £18m: Flop
8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb - £17m: Success
9). Paulinho - Corinthians - £16m: Flop
10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham - £16m: Success
Scoreline
Bournemouth 2
Wilson 70', Ibe 74'
Arsenal 1
Bellerin 52'
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
Results
6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Aatebat Al Khalediah, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Dubai Avenue, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: My Catch, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Golden Goal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Indoor Cricket World Cup
Venue Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE squad Saqib Nazir (captain), Aaqib Malik, Fahad Al Hashmi, Isuru Umesh, Nadir Hussain, Sachin Talwar, Nashwan Nasir, Prashath Kumara, Ramveer Rai, Sameer Nayyak, Umar Shah, Vikrant Shetty
Copa del Rey
Barcelona v Real Madrid
Semi-final, first leg
Wednesday (midnight UAE)
