U.S. National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, has cautioned Hungary against further delaying Sweden's membership in NATO during a meeting with his NATO counterparts. The warnings came after Hungarian lawmakers from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's party boycotted an emergency session of parliament, causing further delays in Sweden's bid to join the military alliance.
Hungary, which holds an absolute majority in its parliament, has been stalling Sweden's membership since July 2022, citing allegations that Swedish politicians have spread 'blatant lies' about the state of Hungarian democracy. The governing Fidesz party insists that the Swedish Prime Minister must visit Hungary first.
The delays have frustrated Hungary's allies, prompting security officials from NATO to address the issue during a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Sullivan emphasized the importance of credibility and obligation, urging Hungary to take the necessary steps to complete the parliamentary procedures for ratifying Sweden's accession.
Sweden, along with its neighboring country Finland, sought protection under NATO's collective security umbrella in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Finland has already joined the alliance, all 31 member countries, including Hungary, must unanimously agree for Sweden to become a NATO member. Hungary is currently the only hindrance in this process.
Sullivan emphasized that while specific threats or steps were not being discussed at the moment, their patience on the matter has its limits. The United States will continue to monitor the situation closely and hopes for a constructive resolution in the near future.
Prime Minister Orbán, who has taken a Kremlin-friendly stance towards Russia's actions in Ukraine, has invited Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Budapest for discussions on future cooperation in the field of security and defense. However, unless another emergency session is called to address Sweden's bid, the regular session of Hungary's parliament is scheduled for February 26.
The completion of Sweden's accession to NATO is crucial for the alliance's collective security efforts. Delaying the process undermines the unity and credibility of NATO in defending its members against potential threats and risks. Allies of both Sweden and Hungary have stressed the importance of resolving the issue promptly to maintain the trust and solidarity within the alliance.
The situation remains uncertain, and all eyes are on Hungary's next move. The hope is that a constructive solution can be reached, allowing Sweden to join NATO and strengthening the defense capabilities of the alliance.
