Hungary Recently Announces Decision to Withdraw from International Criminal Court (ICC).
International
In April 2025, the Government of Hungary announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. The move came shortly after the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary, drawing international attention. As per Article 127 of the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC, Hungary’s withdrawal will become official one year after it formally notifies the United Nations (UN).
- Hungary, a signatory of the Rome Statute since 1999, is now set to become the first European Union (EU) country to exit the ICC.
- The formal exit process requires Hungary to send a written notice of withdrawal to AntĂłnio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Once this letter is received, the one-year countdown toward official withdrawal begins.
- As of March 2025, only two countries—Burundi and the Philippines—have officially withdrawn from the ICC. Hungary’s move adds a new chapter in ICC history, raising concerns about international accountability and the future participation of EU nations in global justice mechanisms.
Main Point :- (i) In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. These charges relate to Israel’s military retaliation following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw over 250 hostages taken.
(ii) As an ICC member, Hungary is required to act on ICC warrants, including arresting accused individuals. However, due to its strong political and diplomatic support for Israel, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared Hungary would not arrest Netanyahu, creating a direct conflict with ICC obligations.
(iii) To avoid violating ICC rules while maintaining its alliance with Israel, Hungary announced its decision to withdraw from the ICC in April 2025. Once the formal withdrawal notice is submitted, Hungary will become the first European Union (EU) country to leave the ICC.
About International Criminal Court (ICC)
President : Tomoko Akane
Headquarters : The Hague, Netherlands
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