Hungary reverses course, remains party to International Criminal Court

Hungary will remain a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC), following a decisive vote in parliament that overturns a previous withdrawal decision made by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, had signaled its intent to reverse Orbán's stance on the international tribunal.

The parliamentary vote solidifies Hungary's commitment to international justice, with the approved legislation stating that "it is absolutely necessary that perpetrators of the most serious crimes must be held accountable in an international legal forum." This move ensures Hungary's continued participation in the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The court prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression.

Orbán's previous government had announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC, with the former prime minister characterizing the court as overly politicized. This announcement notably occurred during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Countries party to the ICC are obligated to arrest such individuals if they enter their territory.

The reversal by Magyar's government is a significant departure from Orbán's foreign policy. The withdrawal process, had it been completed, would have taken effect a year after the declaration, meaning Hungary would have officially left the ICC on June 2, 2026. By reversing the decision before this deadline, Hungary reaffirms its position within the international legal framework. This development also suggests a potential shift in Hungary's relationship with figures like Netanyahu, as Magyar has pledged that leaders sought by the ICC would be arrested under his administration, making future visits by Netanyahu to Hungary unlikely.

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it is absolutely necessary that perpetrators of the most serious crimes must be held accountable in an international legal forum. Therefore, it is necessary for Hungary to remain a party to the Statute of the International Criminal Court.