Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) congratulates the National Assembly of Hungary on the adoption of legislation reversing the country's planned withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Prime Minister Péter Magyar fast-tracked the bill, which the new legislature passed on 27 May 2026 with 133 votes in favor and 37 against, officially halting the exit process that had been set to take effect on 2 June 2026. Following the promulgation of the new law by the President, the Government formally notified the UN Secretary-General on 29 May of the reversal of the withdrawal, ensuring Hungary’s continued and uninterrupted participation in the ICC system.

A Milestone for International Justice

The Rome Statute, which established the ICC, represents one of the most significant achievements of the international community in the fight against impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The previous government initiated Hungary’s withdrawal by adopting legislation in the National Assembly on 20 May 2025 and notifying the UN Secretary-General on 2 June 2025. Parliamentarians for Global Action highlighted that this move threatened to weaken the Court ’s universality and Hungary’s standing within the multilateral legal order.

Prime Minister Peter Magyar ’s new government introduced the reversal legislation, emphasizing that continued participation in the ICC is necessary "to maintain international peace and security and protect human rights," and to ensure accountability for serious international crimes. The Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties of the ICC and civil society formally welcomed the decision. The National Assembly also enabled the country to withdraw, on the same day, its previous notification of denunciation of the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Court, an important treaty enabling the Court and its officials to perform their duties impartially.

Looking Ahead

PGA reaffirms its readiness to support the Hungarian Parliament in the next steps to ensure that Hungary can play a full and constructive role within the ICC system. This includes the ratification of all outstanding amendments to the Rome Statute, strengthening of domestic implementation legislation, and the adoption of ad hoc cooperation agreements.

Hungary’s decision reinforces the principle that international justice requires universal commitment. At a time of unprecedented pressure on multilateral institutions and the rules-based international order, the vote by the National Assembly demonstrates that accountability is not optional, and impunity has no safe harbor.

PGA will continue to work with parliamentarians worldwide to strengthen the ICC, advance Rome Statute universality, and ensure that the Court receives the political and legal support it needs to fulfill its mandate.