Bill tabled in Hungary to withdraw from ICC amid criticism

Hungary has taken a major step toward withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), with its foreign minister presenting a bill to the National Assembly proposing the country's formal exit.

The move adds weight to recent remarks by Hungarian leaders questioning the court’s role and relevance in international affairs.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told lawmakers during a general debate in Budapest that although Hungary was deeply involved in setting up the ICC, having signed the Rome Statute in 1999 and ratified it in 2001, the statute had never been integrated into national legislation.

"The Hungarian parliament must make the final decision on withdrawal," Szijjarto said.

If lawmakers approve the bill, Hungary will officially inform the United Nations Secretary-General, beginning a one-year countdown before the withdrawal becomes effective.

Szijjarto also emphasized that Hungary played a part in the court’s creation but said that over time, the original goals of the ICC have shifted.

He stressed the fact that, despite ratifying the Rome Statute more than two decades ago, Hungary had not taken the final legal step of aligning it with domestic law.

The proposal follows Hungary’s announcement earlier this month that it planned to leave the ICC, a decision made public during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

At the time, Hungary described the ICC as "a political court."

The visit was notable because Hungary became the first European country to host Netanyahu after the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes in Gaza.