Hungary's Withdrawal from the ICC: A Direct Violation of EU Law That Demands Sanctions

The Renew Europe Group demands immediate action from the European Commission, including under Articles 2 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union:

The Hungarian government’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a blatant attack on international justice and a violation of EU law.

This reckless move further isolates Hungary from the European legal order and undermines the EU’s commitment to human rights and accountability.

Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:

"Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC is a further betrayal of European values and a dangerous step towards undermining international justice. Hungary has taken another regrettable step away from European values."

Sandro Gozi MEP, Renew Europe's Coordinator on the Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee, said:

"Viktor Orbán’s decision to pull Hungary out of the ICC is a disgrace and an attack on the rule of law. This move not only weakens international justice but also violates the EU’s legal framework, to which Hungary is bound. The European Commission must respond with urgency by launching an infringement procedure and imposing sanctions".

The EU has long maintained a firm stance in support of the ICC.

Hungary’s unilateral move violates multiple EU commitments, including:

• The 2001 EU Common Position affirming strong support for the ICC.

• The 2003 update incorporating a detailed action plan for cooperation.

• The legally binding requirement that all EU member states sign and ratify the Rome Statute.

• The 2006 EU-ICC cooperation agreement obliging members to assist the court.

• The ICC-related clauses embedded in EU association and trade agreements with third countries.

Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian impunity within the EU. If left unchallenged, it will embolden other rogue leaders to defy international law with impunity.

"The EU cannot stand idly by while Orbán dismantles our shared legal order. If Hungary wants to act like a rogue state, it should face the consequences. We must impose targeted sanctions and explore all legal avenues to hold Orbán accountable for this breach of EU law," Mr Gozi concluded.

The Renew Europe Group demands immediate action from the European Commission under Articles 2 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union.

It is past time for the EU to take a stand against Hungary’s dangerous slide towards lawlessness.