Hungary is facing increased international pressure to expedite the ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership after Budapest finally agreed to the EU’s €50 billion ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, initially resistant to the EU deal, is now urged to swiftly approve Sweden’s NATO accession, as Hungary stands as the only NATO member yet to ratify it.
Opposition lawmakers have called for an extraordinary parliament session, intending to place Sweden’s NATO accession on the agenda. However, members of Orban’s Fidesz party suggest they will wait until a meeting between Orban and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson before a final vote.
While Orban has a commanding majority in parliament and has previously expedited policy changes, pressure has mounted for Hungary to hasten the Swedish NATO ratification process. Senior U.S. lawmakers have expressed a desire for Hungary to immediately approve Sweden’s accession, warning of potential lasting damage to relations with Washington if action is not taken promptly.
Hungary’s stance on Sweden’s NATO membership has been closely watched, especially given Orban’s more favorable ties with Russia compared to other EU and NATO members. Orban maintains that his government supports Sweden joining the alliance, but external pressure is now urging him to accelerate the process.
The EU’s aid deal for Ukraine, which Hungary eventually agreed to after prolonged resistance, has played a role in intensifying calls for Hungary to expedite the NATO ratification process. Despite the delay, Hungary has not presented explicit demands regarding NATO during this period.
