International Legal News - 28 July 2025

The following media round up on international and foreign policy issues from around the world for the period of 21 July to 25 July 2025. Guernica 37 will provide weekly media updates from the International Criminal Court, European Court of Human Rights, United Nations, European Union and other sources. Should you wish to contribute or submit a media summary, opinion piece or blog, please send to Ned Vucijak at nenadv@guernica37.com for consideration.

Guernica 37 International Legal News

25 July 2025

French Republic to recognise the State of Palestine in September 2025

The French president Emmanuel Macron has announced that he will recognise a Palestinian State. Although 142 states already formally recognise the state of Palestine, recognition from France would make it the first G7 nation to join this group worldwide.

Making the announcement via the social media network X, Macron stated:

"True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September."

It is also reported that the French Republic intends to co-chair an international conference alongside Saudi Arabia, that seeks to revisit a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel.

For more on this story, see here. (French)

24 July 2025

Ukrainian bank prepares for further arbitral proceedings against Russia

Oschadbank, a Ukrainian state-owned bank that won a billion-dollar award against Russia over Crimean assets is reported to be preparing for a further investment treaty claim. It is understood the proceedings concern losses sustained in eastern Ukraine following the Russian invasion, and breakout of the war between the two nations.

For more on this story, see here.

23 July 2025

International Court of Justice hands down Advisory Opinion on climate change

The International Court of Justice has issued its long-awaited advisory opinion on climate change. The Court recognised that countries have obligations under international law to address climate change, and that it may be open to states to legally challenge other states that fail to uphold their obligations.

The advisory opinion was the brainchild of a group of law students from Vanuatu who were worried about the effect of sea levels on the low-lying Pacific Island.

Melina Antoniadis, a member of Guernica 37 Chambers, was instructed as Counsel for the African Union, a continental organisation representing all 55 member states in Africa.

For more on this story, see here.

For the Court’s Advisory Opinion, see here.

For Melina Antoniadis’s chambers profile, see here.                               

22 July 2025

Belgian police question two Israeli soldiers under universal jurisdiction law

It has been reported that two Israeli soldiers, who were attending the Tomorrowland festival in Belgium, have been questioned by police, after a complaint was filed of the pair waving flags of their military brigade, and allegations of association with conduct amounting to war crimes in Gaza.

The flags were reportedly waved amongst other Israeli flags during a set performed by an Israeli DJ duo.

Although prosecutors have not released further information, it is understood that the persons questioned have not been prevented from leaving Belgium. It is however reported that questioning was conducted under Belgium’s universal jurisdiction law, which allows local courts to hear cases involving the most serious crimes, that take place outside of the jurisdiction.

For more on this story, see here.

21 July 2025

Ecuadorian drug lord extradited to the United States

Adolfo ‘Fito’ Macias, the leader of the Ecuadorian gang ‘Los Choneros’ has appeared before a federal court in the United States after being recaptured following an escape from prison last year.

Macias will answer to international drug charges and weapons trafficking offences.

His legal representatives indicated that he would plead not guilty to his indictment. It is understood that he is the first Ecuadorean to be extradited following the adoption of a measure adopted into law last year following a referendum by the Ecuadorian president to boost the country’s actions against criminal gangs.

For more on this story, see here.