The European Commission has issued a stern warning to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after his announcement that he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Věra Jourová, Vice President of the European Commission, emphasized that disregarding the ICC’s warrant would violate international obligations and tarnish Hungary’s reputation. The ICC had issued the warrant against Netanyahu, citing “reasonable grounds” to believe he and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Orbán, a close ally of Netanyahu, criticized the ICC’s decision as politically motivated, calling it “outrageously impudent” and “cynical.” While most EU member states pledged to comply with the arrest warrant, Orbán announced that Netanyahu’s visit would go ahead with no consequences for the Israeli leader.
Jourová, who has previously had clashes with Hungary’s government, responded sharply, asserting that responsible leaders must honor their international commitments. Hungary, as an EU member, is bound by the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC and mandates compliance with its arrest warrants. Jourová warned that ignoring the ICC’s authority would clearly breach international law and damage Hungary’s standing on the global stage.
The European Commission also reaffirmed its support for the ICC’s impartiality and independence. A Commission spokesperson reiterated that all EU member states are obligated to enforce arrest warrants issued by the ICC.
Other EU countries, such as Austria and the Czech Republic, have also voiced concerns over the ICC’s decision, although with less defiance. Germany, however, has expressed mixed reactions, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stating that the country would follow the law but not elaborating on specific scenarios.
This is not the first time Orbán has defied international norms regarding the ICC. Earlier this year, he faced backlash for meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is also wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes.