# Dutch foreign minister declines to deny talks are under way on curbing ICC powers

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/dutch-foreign-minister-declines-to-deny-talks-are-under-way-on-curbing-icc-powers/
- Published: 2026-11-12T17:26:49+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T18:49:36+00:00
- Original publisher: Middle East Eye (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/dutch-foreign-minister-declines-rule-out-talks-curbing-icc-powers
- Topics: Americas, Geopolitics, Government, Middle East, Politics, World

## Key points

- Berendsen would not rule out talks on ICC restrictions.
- The reported proposals could limit the court’s jurisdiction.
- A US sanctions exemption expires on 7 April next year.

## Summary

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has declined to say whether talks with the United States include proposals to limit the International Criminal Court’s powers, after a Dutch rights group reported negotiations were under way. He said diplomatic discussions were taking place but that he could not disclose which subjects were being considered, and did not confirm or reject the reported proposals. The issue matters because any restrictions could affect the court’s ability to investigate and prosecute cases.

Berendsen said he would write to MPs next week about the Netherlands’ position ahead of a meeting of ICC member states in The Hague from 30 November to 7 December. The reported proposals include immunity for national leaders and limits on the court’s jurisdiction; any changes would face demanding approval rules under the Rome Statute. The discussions follow US sanctions on the court imposed on 9 October, with an exemption for some operational transactions due to expire on 7 April next year. The United States had previously pressed for changes to the court in return for lifting sanctions.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.