Albares expresses Spain's support for the International Criminal Court to the ICC Vice-President

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has met with the First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court, Salvatore Aitala, to whom he reiterated Spain's firm support for the court and its fundamental role in the fight against impunity and in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Albares, who received the First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, acknowledged the work of the Court, which is more necessary than ever given the escalation of conflicts in all regions and the unprecedented increase in civilian casualties, while stressing that the International Criminal Court is a fundamental pillar of the international rules-based order.

The minister used the meeting to reaffirm Spain's commitment to accountability in all situations and to reparations for all victims, whether in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan or anywhere else where large-scale atrocities are committed.

Albares recalled that Spain's commitment to the ICC is also financial. Spain made voluntary contributions worth six million euros in 2023 and in 2024, made voluntary contributions exceeding two million euros.

Statement of international support

Spain signed on 7 February the joint statement of the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, in which nearly eighty countries reaffirmed their permanent and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the International Criminal Court in the face of measures to sanction the court, its officials and staff and those who cooperate with it.

The statement interprets these measures as increasing the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threatening to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial to promoting global order and security. They could also jeopardise the confidentiality of sensitive information and the security of the persons involved, including victims, witnesses and Court officials, many of whom are Spanish. Sanctions would seriously undermine all ongoing investigations, as the Court could be forced to close its field offices.

As strong supporters of the ICC, Spain regretted any attempt to undermine its independence, integrity and impartiality. In this regard, Albares reiterated today to the First Vice-President of the Court Spain's commitment to guaranteeing the continuity of the International Criminal Court's activities so that it can continue to carry out its functions in an effective and independent manner.

Non official translation