Luxembourg Marks 25th Anniversary of Rome Statute Ratification

Monday 8 September 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of Luxembourg’s ratification of the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the creation of the ICC was a decisive step in international criminal justice, creating a key institution to combat impunity and uphold an international order based on the rule of law. By strengthening international criminal law, humanitarian law and the rule of law, the Court gives concrete expression to the commitment to a rules-based international order.

The ministries stressed that Luxembourg remains a staunch supporter of the ICC and reaffirms its determination to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute and to preserve the integrity of the Court. International criminal justice plays a crucial role in ensuring that perpetrators of the most serious crimes are held accountable and in delivering justice to victims, who must be at the centre of common efforts, according to the authorities.

Luxembourg supports the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) and the Special Fund for Relocations (SFR; i.e. relocation of witnesses) of the Court, while also advocating for an adequate budget to enable the ICC to carry out its mandate and adapt to a changing international context.

The Court continues to face threats, intimidation and pressure that negatively impact its security. Luxembourg remains firmly opposed to any attempt to discredit the Court or obstruct its work, and condemns all threats, attacks or political interference, including sanctions or similar measures, directed against the Court, its staff or those who cooperate with it.

The promotion of criminal justice remains essential to ensuring and maintaining international peace and security, according to the ministries. Only through cooperation, multilateralism and respect for international law can accountability and justice be guaranteed. In this context, Luxembourg also supports efforts to harmonise the jurisdictional regime concerning the crime of aggression with that of the other crimes provided for under the Rome Statute.

EO