US Envoy Pressures Orban to Ratify Sweden’s NATO Membership, Reports Reuters

By Krisztina Than and Boldizsar Gyori

BUDAPEST – A U.S. envoy, accompanied by ambassadors from NATO allies such as Poland, Denmark, and Slovakia, made an unexpected visit to the Hungarian parliament on Monday to apply pressure on Budapest regarding Sweden’s application to join the alliance.

The parliament meeting was organized by the opposition for a vote on the ratification, but members of the ruling Fidesz party chose to boycott the session. This boycott resulted in a lack of quorum, further delaying the ratification process.

Fidesz lawmakers expressed a desire for Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to visit Budapest prior to approving the bid.

Currently, Hungary is the only NATO member yet to ratify Sweden’s membership application, a requirement for approval that necessitates support from all member states. This situation has strained Hungary’s relations with the United States and raised alarms among its allies.

U.S. Ambassador David Pressman stated that Sweden’s NATO accession is directly tied to U.S. national security and the overall security of the alliance. "The Prime Minister had committed to convening parliament to urge action at the earliest opportunity; today was such an opportunity," Pressman remarked. He emphasized that he hopes to see Hungary act promptly.

Sweden submitted its application to join NATO in May 2022, marking a significant shift in its security strategy due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has maintained closer ties with Russia compared to many other EU and NATO states, claims his government supports Sweden’s accession, despite the legislation being stalled in parliament since mid-2022.

The Fidesz party indicated earlier on Monday that Sweden’s NATO bid could proceed when parliament reconvenes for its regular session, expected at the end of February following the winter recess.

"If this is an important issue for the Swedes, then it’s logical that the Swedish Prime Minister will come to Budapest," the Fidesz party stated in response to inquiries.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto mentioned recently that it would be "fair" for Kristersson to visit Budapest for discussions before the ratification, similar to the Swedish leader’s visit to Turkey prior to that country’s ratification process.