The recent blocking of International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's Microsoft email account has ignited a significant debate in the Netherlands, highlighting the pressing need for European digital sovereignty. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities associated with reliance on non-European technology providers for critical infrastructure.

Background

In February 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Karim Khan following the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes during Israel's Gaza offensive. These sanctions led to the freezing of Khan's bank accounts and the revocation of his email access, severely disrupting the court's operations. The sanctions also barred ICC staff, including U.S. citizens, from entering the U.S., risking arrest. This has resulted in some NGOs and contractors severing ties with the ICC, further hampering its investigative capacity. (apnews.com)

Implications and Impact

The blockage of Khan's email account, provided by Microsoft, has exposed the ICC's dependence on U.S.-based technology services. This dependency has raised concerns about the security and sovereignty of European institutions. The incident has prompted Dutch lawmakers to call for an independent investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for the Netherlands to ensure the protection and independence of the ICC. (theguardian.com)

Technical Details

The sanctions imposed by the U.S. government led to the cancellation of Khan's Microsoft email account, forcing the prosecutor to transition to Proton Mail, a Swiss-based email provider. This shift highlights the challenges faced by international organizations in maintaining secure and uninterrupted communication channels when relying on non-European service providers. (apnews.com)

Conclusion

The blocking of Karim Khan's email account serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in depending on non-European technology providers for critical infrastructure. This incident has catalyzed discussions on the necessity for Europe to develop and invest in its own digital infrastructure to safeguard its institutions' autonomy and security.

U.S. Sanctions Disrupt ICC Operations: