EU's harsh response to Hungary

Anita Hipper, the European Commission's chief spokeswoman, said at the institution's daily press conference in Brussels, in response to a reporter's question about the Israeli Prime Minister's possible visit to Budapest and the Hungarian government's defiance of the ICC's arrest warrant: "Our position on the ICC is very clear. The European Union supports the ICC and the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute. We also respect the independence and impartiality of this institution and are strongly committed to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity."

“We call on all countries to cooperate fully with the Court, including through the swift execution of arrest warrants,” he added, referring to the Council of Europe statement.

Asked about reports of a possible Hungarian decision to withdraw from the ICC, Hipper said: “We have not been informed of such a formal decision by Hungary, but it is clear that we would deeply regret it if it were to happen.”

He recalled that, under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, withdrawal from the Court can only be made by formal written notification to the UN Secretary-General and that withdrawal will not take effect until one year after such formal notification. A European Commission spokesperson stressed: “A possible withdrawal of a country from the Court does not abrogate its ongoing obligations to cooperate with the Court in judicial proceedings.”

Ciaran Cough, the president of the European Green Party, also said: “The European Union and national governments have an obligation to respect international law and ensure accountability for war crimes and human rights violations.”

These comments come as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly announced his intention to receive Netanyahu in Budapest and has refused to execute the ICC’s arrest warrant. This approach is in clear contradiction with the legal obligations of member states of the institution and the principles of international justice.