Hungary announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) on Thursday, becoming the sole European Union country to opt out of the international court. The move comes days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Budapest, where he was welcomed with a military honor band despite facing an international arrest warrant.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban had made clear that Hungary would ignore its obligations to act on the I.C.C. warrant, opting instead to align with the Trump administration’s stance on key international bodies. The withdrawal announcement cements Mr. Orban’s position as Europe’s odd man out and showcases his desire to put himself in the spotlight.
A year after withdrawing, Hungary will still be under a duty to cooperate with the I.C.C. However, its decision to not arrest Mr. Netanyahu breached its obligations under the 1998 treaty that established the court. The I.C.C. issued arrest warrants for Mr. Netanyahu and his former defense minister in November, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
Mr. Orban’s visit to Hungary was part of a bid to strengthen ties with Israel and the Trump administration. However, his stance on the I.C.C. has drawn criticism from several European countries, including France, which has expressed reservations about enforcing the warrant against Mr. Netanyahu should he visit.
Hungary is not alone in its withdrawal from the I.C.C., but it is the only EU country to do so. Only two countries have pulled out of the 125-member court: Burundi and the Philippines. Venezuela has said it might withdraw, but has yet to make a decision.
Mr. Orban’s decision to withdraw from the I.C.C. is part of his efforts to position Hungary as an opposition force within Europe. He has long been critical of EU leaders who support Ukraine and has moved closer to President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This move offers Mr. Orban another opportunity to put himself in the spotlight and lure Washington’s attention.
The I.C.C.’s withdrawal from the court is seen as a significant development, with implications for international justice and war-crimes tribunals. As Hungary navigates its new stance on the I.C.C., it remains to be seen how this will affect its relationships with other countries and international organizations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/world/europe/hungary-icc-netanyahu.html