European Parliament Awards Sakharov Prize to ICC and Its Staff
The European Parliament has awarded the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court and its staff. President Roberta Metsola announced the decision in Strasbourg on October 22, saying the award recognizes the Court’s defense of international law and justice.
Key points
- The ICC and its staff received the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
- Roberta Metsola announced the decision in Strasbourg on October 22.
- The S&D Group nominated the ICC and its staff.
- The award ceremony is scheduled for December 16 in Strasbourg.
- The prize carries a monetary award of EUR 50,000.
- The ICC investigates international crimes, including those committed during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
- The U.S. sanctioned the ICC as an institution on October 9 and had previously restricted several judges and officials.
Why it matters
The award is a prominent European endorsement of the ICC at a time when the institution faces U.S. sanctions. It also recognizes the Court’s investigations of international crimes committed during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including the deportation of Ukrainian children.
What happened
The European Parliament awarded the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court and its staff. The decision was announced by Parliament President Roberta Metsola during a plenary session in Strasbourg on October 22. The S&D Group had nominated the Court and its staff. The formal award ceremony will take place in Strasbourg on December 16, and the prize includes EUR 50,000. The decision came after the United States sanctioned the ICC as an institution on October 9, following earlier restrictions on several of its judges and officials. The ICC is investigating international crimes, including crimes committed during Russia’s war against Ukraine. On March 17, 2023, it issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova over alleged war crimes involving the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
For Ukraine, the recognition is particularly relevant because the ICC is investigating crimes committed during Russia’s aggression, including the deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children.
How international sources describe it
The award gives the ICC prominent European backing while the institution faces sanctions and restrictions from the United States. Metsola linked the decision to the EU’s commitment to multilateralism, international institutions, international law and justice.
Background
The European Parliament has presented the Sakharov Prize annually since 1988 to recognize contributions to the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is named after Soviet physicist and dissident Andrey Sakharov. In 2022, the prize was awarded to the people of Ukraine, represented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, elected leaders and civil society.