#Hungary #submitted #condition #Swedens #ratification #NATO
Hungary is the only one of the 31 NATO countries that has not yet ratified Sweden’s application to join the Alliance. Hungary is delaying doing so because the country’s government feels “offended” by Sweden’s criticism of the rule of law situation.
U. Kristersson and V. Orban met briefly on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels. U. Kristersson later told Swedish reporters at a press conference that “the conversation with Viktor Orban was good.” He did not say when more detailed talks are planned in Hungary, but he made it clear that he would like to go to Budapest only when Hungary has already ratified Sweden’s application and the country has all the necessary ratifications for NATO membership.
The Hungarian opposition asked for a special parliamentary session to be convened to ratify Sweden’s membership. He was appointed on February 5. However, Fidesz and KDNP said their MPs would not attend the meeting. Parliament Speaker Laszlo Köver, who belongs to Fidesz, had to call the meeting because the opposition votes are enough. However, the opposition has no influence on the content of the agenda, as it requires the votes of those in power. In fact, the session of the Hungarian Parliament is due to start on February 26.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden together with Finland in 2022 asked to be admitted to NATO in May. Finland became the 31st member of the Alliance at the beginning of April last year.
