US Senators to Visit Hungary to Support Sweden’s NATO Bid, Reports Reuters

BUDAPEST (Reuters) – A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation is scheduled to visit Hungary on Sunday, amid increasing pressure on Budapest to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership as parliament approaches its winter recess.

Hungary stands as the only NATO member yet to endorse Sweden’s application, a requirement necessitating the approval of all member states, which has led to strained relations with the United States and concerns among other allies.

Sweden submitted its NATO application in May 2022, following a significant policy shift driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains closer ties with Russia compared to other EU nations and most NATO allies, claims his government supports Sweden’s membership. However, the necessary legislation remains pending.

The U.S. Embassy announced on Friday that the visiting senators aim to address strategic issues facing NATO and Hungary.

U.S. Ambassador David Pressman emphasized earlier this month that Sweden’s accession to NATO is crucial for U.S. national security and the overall safety of the alliance.

The ruling Fidesz party’s parliamentary group has indicated that Sweden’s NATO bid could receive ratification when parliament reconvenes in late February. Sweden’s foreign minister expressed optimism on Wednesday about Hungary’s expected approval of the application soon.