Hungary quits ICC amid Netanyahu visit, clashing with EU
Hungary announced on April 3rd that it will begin the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), breaking ranks with the rest of the European Union (EU).
According to The National, the move coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Budapest—his first trip to Europe since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him in November for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
“Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court,” confirmed Gergely Gulyás, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff.
“The government will initiate the withdrawal procedure on Thursday (April 3rd), in accordance with constitutional and international legal frameworks.”
Orbán has been a vocal critic of the ICC’s decision, describing the warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest—issued on charges including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity such as murder—as “shameful”, “outrageously impudent”, and “cynical.”
The Hungarian government’s decision to withdraw from the ICC is a direct challenge to the pro-ICC stance of the EU.
Under the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, member states are required to arrest individuals with outstanding warrants if they enter their territory.
However, the court has no mechanism to enforce compliance, leaving it up to states to act.
Reacting to reports of Hungary’s imminent withdrawal, a European Commission representative said on April 2nd that the bloc “deeply regrets” the decision.
The official also pointed out that, under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a withdrawal takes effect one year after formal notification to the UN Secretary-General.
Until then, Hungary is still expected to comply with ICC obligations, including cooperation with ongoing investigations.
However, the EU has no power to compel Orbán’s government to do so.
Orbán has frequently clashed with Brussels over issues ranging from Ukraine and Russia to human rights.
Despite the EU’s official position, several other member states—including Germany and France—have also signalled that they would not detain Netanyahu, underscoring divisions within the bloc.
Experts say Mr Orbán is trying to discredit the ICC.
“By hosting a sitting leader charged with war crimes, Orbán doesn’t merely signal disregard for accountability; he actively reinforces an emerging global coalition of illiberal leaders who openly disdain human rights and democratic principles,” Gabor Scheiring, assistant professor at Georgetown University Qatar, told The National.
“The chilling message is clear: those capable of mass violence, forced resettlements, or even genocide can now anticipate impunity.”
Human rights organisations have condemned Hungary’s stance.
Amnesty International called on European leaders to take a firm position.
In a statement, the human rights organisation said, “Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary must not become a bellwether for the future of human rights in Europe.”
“European and global leaders must end their shameful silence and inaction, and call on Hungary to arrest Netanyahu during a visit which would make a mockery of the suffering of Palestinian victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”
The National. Reuters. Maghrebi
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