Hungary Backs Swedish NATO Membership

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has decided to support Sweden’s NATO membership, as stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Orbán is urging the Hungarian parliament to vote favorably at the next opportunity. Sweden applied for NATO alongside Finland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen anticipates a stronger NATO with Sweden’s membership. Turkey’s parliament has already voted favorably, with a signature from President Erdogan expected soon. Hungary’s approval is now the final step for Sweden to become the 32nd NATO member, as all other member countries have consented. Turkey had reservations due to Sweden’s supposed protection of Kurdish figures considered terrorists by Turkey. Orbán has previously accused Sweden of spreading lies about Hungary’s democracy.