Hungary’s incoming leader Péter Magyar has announced plans for the country to rejoin the International Criminal Court, signaling a major shift in foreign policy after the recent elections.
Magyar stated that restoring Hungary’s participation in the Hague-based court would serve both national and international interests, emphasizing a renewed commitment to global justice mechanisms.
Policy reversal after Orbán era
Hungary had begun the process of withdrawing from the ICC under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The move would have made Hungary the only European Union member state outside the court.
Orbán’s government aligned more closely with countries such as the United States, Russia, and Israel, all of which do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.
Renewed international engagement
Magyar emphasized that Hungary would reverse this course, re-engaging with international legal institutions and reinforcing cooperation with global partners.
He also highlighted Hungary’s commitment to combating antisemitism and maintaining strong ties with Jewish communities, while distancing his future government from the policies of the previous administration.
Hungary’s planned return to the ICC marks a significant geopolitical shift, indicating a broader reorientation toward multilateralism and international legal frameworks after years of divergence under Orbán.
