Parliamentarians for Global Action expresses deep regret on Hungary’s formal withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 2 June 2025, effective as of 2 June 2026. This unprecedented decision by a European Union (EU) Member State represents a serious setback for international justice and the fight against impunity: it weakens the global system of accountability for the world’s most serious crimes – the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. It also sends a detrimental political message at a time when strengthening victims’ rights and the international rule of law is more crucial than ever.

Hungary’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute must be seen in the broader context of democratic backsliding and sustained attacks on the rule of law. Since 2018, the European Parliament has recognized a significant risk of a serious breach of EU values in Hungary, highlighting threats to judicial independence, civil society, and the rights of LGBTQI+ people, women, and minorities. Recent constitutional amendments have further eroded fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. These actions not only isolate Hungary from the values upheld by the EU but also risk emboldening anti-rule-of-law movements. Hungary’s exit from the ICC should serve as a wake-up call – not just for the EU, but for the entire international community. Impunity is a direct threat to democracy itself. Ms. Tineke Strik, Member of the European Parliament (the Netherlands) and PGA member

Since 1998, PGA has worked relentlessly with parliamentarians worldwide to support universal ratification of the Rome Statute and its amendments. This effort is critical for expanding the ICC’s jurisdiction to fulfill its mandate: to prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious crimes when national systems are unable or unwilling to do so. Without universality, accountability remains uneven, and justice remains elusive.

PGA therefore calls on:

1. The European Union and its institutions to take all necessary steps to re-engage Hungary and reaffirm the EU’s unwavering support for the ICC.
2. All States Parties to defend the Rome Statute system and actively promote its universality.
3. Parliamentarians and States Parties to publicly denounce threats and attacks against international justice.
4. Parliamentarians around the world to continue championing justice, accountability, and the rule of law through support for the ICC, including by ensuring international cooperation and judicial assistance with the Court.

Background

Hungary ratified the Rome Statute in 2001 and has since played an active part in the ICC’s functioning, including through the election of the Hungarian Judge Péter Kovács in 2015. However, recent criticism of the court contradicts its prior commitments to international justice and cooperation.

Hungary’s withdrawal also contravenes its obligations as an EU Member State. In line with successive EU Council Conclusions, the 2011 Council Decision on the ICC, and the Agreement between the EU and the ICC, EU Member States have committed to supporting the Court and upholding international criminal justice.

On 29 April 2025, the National Assembly adopted a related bill (available in Hungarian), enabling the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute. The government has claimed that the Statute was never fully domesticated due to the lack of promulgation of the ratification bill. Although this constitutional technicality has long been debated domestically, it does not exempt Hungary from its international obligation under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties: compliance with ratified treaties is mandatory.

Hungary’s withdrawal will take effect in one year, meaning the country remains legally bound by the Rome Statute until that time.

Image: Hungarian Parliament Building. Credit: Wei-Te Wong