On 6 June 2025, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Tomoko Akane, delivered a keynote speech at a conference on the review of Rome Statute, upon Germany's Federal Foreign Office invitation. The conference was attended by H.E. Dr Johann Wadephul, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany, and H.E. Ms Sabine Monauni, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Environment and Culture of Liechtenstein, as well as representatives of States, academia and civil society.
At the outset, H.E. Dr Johann Wadephul noted with regret the imposition of additional sanctions by the United States and reaffirmed Germany's position as a steadfast supporter of international law and the ICC.
While emphasising that the decision to amend the Statute is a sovereign decision that is to be taken by States, President Akane observed that efforts aimed at improving the existing legal framework should continue, particularly in challenging times. Deploring the additional designations for sanctions of four ICC Judges by the United States on 5 June 2025, the President called for determined collective action, united by the unwavering commitment to international justice.
Whilst in Berlin, the President also met with H.E. Mr Gunther Krichbaum, Minister of State for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office. The President expressed the ICC's appreciation for Germany's strong support for the Court, which has become ever more crucial as threats against the ICC's independence persist. Referring to the unjustified sanctions against four ICC Judges by the United States, the President called upon Germany to unite with other EU States and take all measures at its disposal to protect the Court.
In the margins of the conference, the President also briefly met with H.E. Ms Sabine Monauni, discussing current challenges and support for the Court.
