Simon Harris

Viktor Orbán’s government yesterday began the process of withdrawing from the Rome Statute as he hosts Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a four-day visit, despite the ICC seeking his arrest.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders in November 2024.

Hungary, which has been part of the ICC since it was formally established in 2002, will become the third state party to have withdrawn from the Rome Statute following Burundi in 2017 and the Philippines in 2019.

In a statement, Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris said: “I deeply regret the decision by Hungary to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

“It is particularly disappointing that an EU member state would take such a step. The EU is founded on fundamental values which all member states are obligated to uphold and defend.

“This includes support for the application of international law.

“The ICC is the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice and plays a vital role in ending impunity. Along with our EU partners, we have consistently called on all states to respect its independence and impartiality.

“Ireland will continue to work with our international partners, including within the EU, to support the ICC in fulfilling its mandate.”