On 10 June 2026, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Ms Elke Büdenbender, spouse of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. During their visit, they met with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler.
The visit formed part of the official state visit to the Netherlands by President Steinmeier and Ms Büdenbender, held from 9 to 11 June 2026 at the invitation of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.
As the world’s first permanent international criminal court, the ICC plays a central role in promoting accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The visit by Queen Máxima and Ms Büdenbender highlighted the importance both Germany and the Netherlands attach to the rule of law and international justice.
Their presence at the Court also underscored the longstanding commitment of both countries to supporting international efforts aimed at combating impunity and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
The Netherlands, as host nation of the ICC and numerous international legal institutions, and Germany, as a strong supporter of the Court’s mandate, continue to work closely in advancing the principles of justice, accountability, and respect for international law.
