EU Must Reaffirm Support for International Justice and the ICC

Hungary has formally notified the United Nations secretary-general that it will remain a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC), reversing a previous decision to withdraw. According to Human Rights Watch, this recommitment provides the European Union with an opportunity to strengthen its collective support for international justice during the June 18-19 European Council meeting.

Human Rights Watch argues that EU leaders should use the upcoming quarterly meeting of heads of government to state that their support for the ICC is consistent and unwavering. The organization contends that recent European Council conclusions have lacked sufficient references to the court, which it describes as being out of step with the ICC’s current pursuit of justice for atrocities in Ukraine, Sudan, and Palestine.

Why did Hungary reverse its ICC withdrawal?

Hungary’s membership in the ICC was scheduled to end on June 2. This deadline followed a decision made in 2025 by the former Fidesz government to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court.

The reversal follows the swearing-in of a new government on May 9. Human Rights Watch describes the decision to stay as a sign that the new administration is taking steps to restore respect for the rule of law within the country. The move brings Hungary back into alignment with the shared position of other EU member states regarding the court’s mandate.

How should the EU respond to this development?

Human Rights Watch recommends that the EU reaffirm its backing for the global rule of law through concrete administrative and diplomatic actions. The organization suggests that the EU should include regular, meaningful references to the ICC and its global mandate in both European Council and ministerial-level conclusions.

The organization further calls for member states to use explicit language to commit to their obligations to cooperate with the court. This includes the strict enforcement of all issued arrest warrants.

To protect the independence of the ICC, Human Rights Watch urges the EU to activate the EU Blocking Statute. This legal mechanism would defend the court and its personnel against extraterritorial sanctions imposed by the United States. According to the organization, this request has been repeated by civil society, the European Parliament, and several EU member states.

What are the broader stakes for the ICC?

The call for strengthened EU resolve comes as the ICC faces pressure from powerful global actors. Human Rights Watch reports that the court is currently facing threats and attacks from the United States and Russia.

These tensions exist while the court manages active investigations into war crimes and atrocities across multiple regions. The organization notes that the court’s work is currently focused on high-stakes situations in Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine.

Human Rights Watch asserts that Hungary’s decision to remain in the Rome Statute should create new momentum for the EU to ensure that victims of international crimes maintain access to justice.