European Parliament awards the 2026 Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court and its officials

As of 8:54 a.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

The European Parliament has awarded its 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought collectively to the International Criminal Court and its officials, the Parliament said Thursday, Oct. 22.

"The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions," Parliament President Roberta Metsola said as she announced the laureate in the chamber. "With the award of the Sakharov prize to the International Criminal Court and its officials, the European Parliament recognises the Court's important work in upholding international law and justice."

The Parliament said that in earlier reports, members had expressed deep concern at "the growing threats and the various waves of sanctions imposed since 2025 on the ICC, notably by the USA, as well as on its prosecutors, judges, staff and partners." It said members have repeatedly called on the European Commission to activate the EU's so-called blocking statute to protect ICC officials.

The ICC said in a statement that it was thankful for the award. "This award comes at a time when the Court and its officials face unprecedented challenges, including sanctions aimed at disrupting the Court's judicial mandate," the court said.

The award ceremony will take place in December in Strasbourg, during Parliament's plenary session, the Parliament said. The prize was established in 1988.