Hungary's parliament has approved a bill initiating the country's formal withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant move by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, which claims the court has become politically biased. The legislation passed on May 20 with 134 votes in favor and 37 against, launching a one-year exit process upon formal notification to the UN Secretary-General.
The decision comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hungary in a rare overseas trip, despite an active ICC arrest warrant accusing him of war crimes in Gaza—a claim Netanyahu has firmly denied. Hungary has openly criticized the warrant as “brazen” and refuses to enforce it.
Orban’s government argues the ICC no longer functions as an impartial judicial body. "Hungary firmly rejects the use of international organizations – in particular criminal courts – as instruments of political influence," stated the bill, submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen.
The ICC, established over 20 years ago to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, now faces growing scrutiny from countries claiming political overreach. Hungary, a founding member, ratified the Rome Statute in 2001, but critics note the domestic law was never formally promulgated.
The ICC’s Assembly of State Parties has expressed concern over Hungary's decision. However, Netanyahu praised the move, calling it a “bold and principled decision.” The development adds to global tensions surrounding the ICC’s role and its arrest warrants amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Hungary’s withdrawal will take effect in 12 months, in accordance with ICC rules, following the official submission of its intent to the United Nations.


Supreme Court to Weigh Trump’s Power to Remove FTC Commissioner
Democrats Face Uphill Battle in Midterm Elections Despite Recent Victories, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Shows
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade
Trump Criticizes EU’s €120 Million Fine on Elon Musk’s X Platform
US Charges Two Men in Alleged Nvidia Chip Smuggling Scheme to China
U.S. State Department Reverts to Times New Roman in Push for “Professionalism”
Trump Signs Executive Order to Establish National AI Regulation Standard
U.S. Special Forces Intercept Ship Carrying Military Components Bound for Iran
Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Sparks Global Debate and Early Challenges
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only
Brazil Arrests Former Peruvian Foreign Minister Augusto Blacker Miller in International Fraud Case
China Adds Domestic AI Chips to Government Procurement List as U.S. Considers Easing Nvidia Export Curbs
California, 18 States Sue to Block Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal
Trump Administration Unveils High-Priced “Trump Gold Card” Visa Program 



