On 10 March 2025. Hungary has notified its decision to retreat from the global Criminal Court (ICC). This decision appears erstwhile the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, prepares to visit Budapest. The withdrawal from the ICC could take up to a year.
According to Radio Free Europe, the Hungarian Minister of Justice, Bence Tuzson, informed diplomats of his intention to retreat from the ICC during a closed gathering at the Ministry of abroad Affairs of Hungary. The process of leaving the Court will take place in respective stages. Experts believe that Hungary's decision to retreat from the ICC may be related to the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjah.
Benjamin Netanjahu has been pursued by the ICC since November 2024. In February 2025 he visited the United States and met with Donald Trump. According to experts, Netanjahu's visit to Hungary may be related to Budapest's decision to leave the Court. In February 2025, Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC and persons assisting the Court in the prosecution of Americans and Israeli politicians.
The global Criminal Court is an global institution that pursues war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The Court was established in 2002 and is based in The Hague. The Court comprises 124 countries, including Poland. However, the United States, Israel and China are not signatories to the ICC.
Hungary's decision to retreat from the ICC may have consequences for the European Union as a whole. The European Union as a full supports the ICC and considers it an crucial instrument for combating war crimes. The withdrawal of Hungary from the ICC could weaken the position of the European Union in global matters.
According to planet Bank data, Hungary is 1 of the most economically advanced countries in Central Europe. However, the country besides has 1 of the highest rates of corruption in the European Union. In 2022 Hungary ranked 73rd in the Transparency global ranking, which evaluates the level of corruption in individual countries.
Hungary's decision to retreat from the ICC met with criticism from NGOs. According to Amnesty International, this decision is simply a “significant blow to the global justice system”. Human Rights Watch également criticised Hungary's decision, claiming that “it weakens the fight against war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
In Poland, Hungary's decision to retreat from the ICC met with media interest. According to the Electoral Gazette, this decision "may have consequences for the European Union". The Republic besides commented on Hungary's decision, claiming that "this is simply a step in the incorrect direction".
It is worth noting that Hungary's decision to retreat from the ICC is not the first case where the State withdraws from the global agreement. In 2018, the United States withdrew from the atomic agreement with Iran. In 2020 China withdrew from the trade agreement with the European Union.
In conclusion, Hungary's decision to retreat from the ICC is simply a crucial event in global policy. It can have consequences for the European Union and the full global justice system. It is worth observing further developments in this matter.
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International Criminal Court: Hungary announces its withdrawal
