Hungary first European country to withdraw from the ICC
International Organisations
5 min read
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on 3rd April 2025, that his country is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Hungary is the first European country to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, which was established in 2002.
According to the Hungarian Prime Minister, his country decided to withdraw from the ICC as it has become a political tool.
Context of Hungary’s decision
The decision to withdraw from the ICC was announced by Viktor Orbán in the presence of the visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on a four-day official visit to Hungary.
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Hungary, being the founder member of the ICC and a signatory to the 1998 Rome Statute, was under an obligation to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
With Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC, the country is under no obligation to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, there will be no effect on the proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the ICC.
Hungary’s decision was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hungary is considered to be one of Israel’s strongest European allies, and many Hungarians hold a strong pro-Israel sentiment.
Arrest Warrant against Netanyahu and two others
It was the first visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Europe after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif in November 2024.
The ICC has issued a warrant against these three leaders for their alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The Israeli military action in Gaza was in response to the militant Palestinian group Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which led to the death of around 1200 people, and another 250 were taken hostage.
About the International Criminal Court
Established in 2002 under the provisions of the 1998 Rome Statute.
The ICC was set up to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, aggression, and crimes against humanity.
Unlike the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the ICC is not part of the United Nations.
The ICJ is the Judicial organ of the United Nations, which hears disputes between countries.
In the ICC, independent Prosecutors can file a case.
Members - 125 countries, including Hungary.
India, Russia, the United States, China, Ukraine, and Israel are some of the prominent countries that are not members of the ICC.
Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
About Hungary
It is a landlocked central European country.
It is also called “the Land of Magyars.”
It is a member of the European Union and of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Capital: Budapest
Currency: Forint
Prime Minister: Viktor Orban
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