The European Union claims to be a champion of global justice, but its actions suggest otherwise. Hungary’s recent decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has raised questions about the EU’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
While the EU has encouraged other countries to join the ICC and respect its work, it has applied double standards when it comes to Israel. The EU is silent on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s impending arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during his visit to Budapest, Hungary.
Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC was likely influenced by the EU’s pressure to condemn Russia, a tactic used in South Africa last year when Russian President Vladimir Putin was indicted by the ICC. However, this selective approach has created tension with countries like Hungary that have ties to Israel and are critical of the EU’s stance on Palestine.
EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and new High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, seem more focused on Russia than Israel. This arbitrariness could undermine the EU’s credibility as a champion of global justice and create a domino effect, with other countries ignoring their ICC obligations.
The EU’s failure to apply consistent pressure on all parties to uphold the rule of law raises questions about its commitment to global justice. It is imperative that Brussels takes concrete steps to address this issue and demonstrates its resolve in enforcing international law.
Source: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/hungary-icc-israel