Cem Sunay holds an LL.M. in Public International Law from Leiden University and an LL.B. in Global Law from Tilburg University. His thesis examined the crime of ecocide and its ideal formulation under the Rome Statute. He previously worked with EuroMed Rights in Brussels on Türkiye, Syria, and Palestine, including ICJ-related advocacy, European Parliament engagement, and conferences with the Coalition for the ICC. He now leads EPIS ILCJ's Thematic Working Groups.
The United States has now sanctioned the ICC itself. As judges and civil-society actors face banking restrictions and other everyday consequences, Europe already possesses a legal tool capable of pushing back: the EU Blocking Statute. The question is whether it is willing to use it.
Türkiye demands international criminal accountability abroad while remaining outside the ICC itself. As pressure on the Court grows, Ankara should reconsider whether staying out still serves its interests.
